Fuel dispensing system for cash customers

ABSTRACT

The present invention is to provide a fuel dispensing system for enhancing cash transactions wherein the system includes a fuel dispenser associated with a control system and a receiver adapted to receive signals including identification indicia from a remote communications unit associated with the customer. The receiver operates in conjunction with the control system to retrieve the identification indicia from the remote communications unit. A cash transaction indicator is provided in association with the control system and adapted to signal the control system that a cash transaction is taking place. The control system will provide customer related information associated with the identification indicia when a cash transaction is indicated. The system may also include a transmitter associated with the control system and adapted to transmit the customer related information to the remote communications unit associated with the customer. Alternatively, the control system may include memory for storing the customer related information in association with the identification indicia. The related information may correspond directly to customer change resulting from a cash transaction wherein the change is determined by the control system during the transaction. In addition to storing credit for change based on a cash transaction, loyalty points may be provided and stored on or in association with the transponder. Preferably, the cash transaction indicator is located at the dispenser and is selectable by the customer at the beginning of the transaction. The cash transaction indicator may also be activated by an operator of the system upon determining the customer is using cash for the transaction. Typically, the cash transaction indicator resulting from an operator input is located at a terminal within the fuel station store.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/060,066, filed Sep. 26, 1997.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to fuel dispensers and,more particularly, to fuel dispensers and systems capable ofcommunicating with various types of transponders and detecting theirmovement within and throughout a fueling environment.

[0003] In recent years, traditional gasoline pumps and service stationshave evolved into elaborate point-of-sale (POS) devices havingsophisticated control electronics and user interfaces with largedisplays and touch-pads or screens. The dispensers include various typesof payment means, such as card readers and cash acceptors, to expediteand further enhance fueling transactions. A customer is not limited tothe purchase of fuel at the dispenser. More recent dispensers allow thecustomer to purchase services, such as car washes, and goods, such asfast food or convenience store products at the dispenser. Oncepurchased, the customer need only pick up the goods and services at thestation store or the outlet of a vending machine.

[0004] Remote transaction systems have evolved wherein the fueldispenser is adapted to communicate with various types of remotecommunication devices, such as transponders, to provide various types ofidentification and information to the fuel dispenser automatically.Given the sophistication of these transaction systems and the numerouschoices provided to the customer at the dispenser, conductingtransactions with transponders will be useful to allow the dispenser andfuel station store to monitor the movement of a person carrying atransponder and a vehicle having a transponder, enhance transaction andmarketing efficiencies, and improve safety in the fueling environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to providing refunds and loyaltypoints or other related benefits to cash customers carrying remotecommunications units or transponders adapted to communicate with afueling system during a retail transaction. Traditionally, servicestations were not able to monitor cash transactions or cash customersfor merchandising efforts or to provide these customers with benefitsthat were provided to the various card carrying customers. The cardcustomers inherently provided the service station operators withinformation to determine what types of purchasing activities specificcustomers had in addition to providing the customer with variousbenefits based on prior purchases and transactions. The current systemtracks purchases of cash customers and provides a benefit based on suchpurchases.

[0006] Additionally, the emergence of cash acceptors to enable cashcustomers to pay at the dispenser in order to expedite the fuelingtransaction has run into several challenges. One difficulty in usingcash acceptors is providing the customer proper change when the amountof the fuel or products purchased differs from the cash amount tendered.It is not economical at this point to include a change machine at eachfueling position of each dispenser. Another difficulty is that requiringa customer to enter the store to receive his or her cash refund orchange defeats the purpose of having a cash acceptor at the dispenser.

[0007] The present invention provides a solution to these problems bykeeping track of cash customers and their respective refunds and loyaltypoints using transponder technology. Basically, a cash customer eithercarries a transponder or has a transponder mounted on their vehiclewherein the transponder is used to associate any refunds or loyaltybenefits with the otherwise invisible cash customer. The operator canmonitor the cash customer via the transponder. The customer may use thecash acceptor of the fuel dispenser and receive any change as creditwith the transponder. The transponder may simply provide an ID where thecentral control system or a remote host network keeps track of therefund for later credit. Alternatively, the refund amount or credit maybe transmitted directly to and stored on the transponder. In eitherembodiment, the amount stored in association with the transponder may beused as a credit during a subsequent fueling or retail purchasetransaction.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a fueldispensing system for enhancing cash transactions wherein the systemincludes a fuel dispenser associated with a control system and areceiver adapted to receive signals including identification indiciafrom a remote communications unit associated with the customer. Thereceiver operates in conjunction with the control system to retrieve theidentification indicia from the remote communications unit. A cashtransaction indicator is provided in association with the control systemand adapted to signal the control system that a cash transaction istaking place. The control system will provide customer relatedinformation associated with the identification indicia when a cashtransaction is indicated. The system may also include a transmitterassociated with the control system and adapted to transmit the customerrelated information to the remote communications unit associated withthe customer. Alternatively, the control system may include memory forstoring the customer related information in association with theidentification indicia. The related information may correspond directlyto customer change resulting from a cash transaction wherein the changeis determined by the control system during the transaction.

[0009] In addition to storing credit for change based on a cashtransaction, loyalty points may be provided and stored on or inassociation with the transponder. Preferably, the cash transactionindicator is located at the dispenser and is selectable by the customerat the beginning of the transaction. The cash transaction indicator mayalso be activated by an operator of the system upon determining thecustomer is using cash for the transaction. Typically, the cashtransaction indicator resulting from an operator input is located at aterminal within the fuel station store.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a fuel dispensersystem providing a customer input device, display and interrogatorassociated with a dispenser control system. The customer input deviceand display are adapted to provide a customer interface. Theinterrogator is adapted to communicate with a remote communications unitassociated with the customer. The customer interface is adapted toprovide a cash transaction input for the customer to select a cashtransaction. The control system is adapted to operate in conjunctionwith a remote control system to provide customer information associatedwith the remote communications unit when a cash transaction is selected.The customer information may relate to change due a customer as a resultof a cash transaction and/or loyalty benefits based on a cashtransaction. The customer information may be stored on the remotecommunications unit or in association with a remote communications unitidentifier in a database accessible by the control system. The controlsystem may include a dispenser controller, central site controller,remote network control system, or any combination thereof.

[0011] These and other aspects of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art after reading the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when considered with thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a fueling and retailenvironment constructed according to the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 2A depicts a vehicle having a vehicle-mounted transponderconstructed according to the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 2B depicts a personal transponder integrated into adebit/credit or smartcard constructed according to the presentinvention.

[0015]FIG. 2C depicts a personal transponder integrated into key fobconstructed according to the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 3 depicts a fuel dispenser shown constructed according to thepresent invention.

[0017]FIG. 4A is a schematic representation of a transponder havingseparate communication and cryptography electronics constructedaccording to the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 4B is a schematic representation of transponder havingintegrated electronics constructed according to the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of fuel dispenser electronicsconstructed according to the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of convenience storetransaction electronics, including a transaction terminal, for a fuelingenvironment constructed according to the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a quick-serve restaurantcontrol system for a fueling environment constructed according to thepresent invention.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a car wash control systemconstructed according to the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a central control systemfor a fueling environment constructed according to the presentinvention.

[0024]FIGS. 10A and 10B are a flow chart representing a basic flow of amultistage ordering process according to the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 10C is a flow chart representing a basic flow of a loyaltybenefit process according to the present invention.

[0026]FIGS. 11A and 11B are a flow chart representing a basicinteraction with a transponder during a cash transaction according tothe present invention.

[0027]FIG. 11C is a flow chart representing a basic process forproviding a discount for transponder use during a transaction accordingto the present invention.

[0028]FIGS. 11D and 11E are a flow chart of a basic process forproviding prepayment on a transponder for subsequent transactionsaccording to the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 12A is a schematic representation of a side view of adispenser having multiple antenna arrangements for providing directionalinterrogation fields constructed according to the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 12B is a schematic representation of a front view of adispenser having multiple antenna arrangements for providing directionalinterrogation fields constructed according to the present invention.

[0031]FIGS. 12C and 12D are a flow chart of a basic process formonitoring the location and type of transponder at a fueling positionaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 13A is an overhead schematic representation of a fuelingenvironment having antenna arrangements providing various interrogationfields.

[0033]FIG. 13B is an overhead schematic representation of a fuelingenvironment having antenna arrangements providing continuous locationmonitoring of transponders in the fueling environment.

[0034]FIGS. 14A and 14B are a flow chart of a basic process fordetermining the proximity or location of a transponder with respect to aparticular fueling position at a dispenser according to the presentinvention.

[0035]FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a basic control process for determiningtransponder location for an embodiment similar to that depicted in FIG.13B.

[0036]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fuel dispenser havingunderground antennas constructed according to the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 17 is an overhead schematic representation of a fueldispenser constructed according to the present invention.

[0038]FIGS. 18A and 18B are a flow chart of a basic process forpreconditioning a dispenser followed by secondary transactionauthorization according to the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 19 depicts a preferred process for providing securecommunications between a transponder and a host network through a fueldispenser.

[0040]FIG. 20 is a flow chart of a basic transponder interaction forproviding theft deterrence and prevention according to the presentinvention.

[0041]FIG. 21 is a flow chart of a basic transponder interaction forpreventing drive-offs according to the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 22 is a flow chart of a basic process for providingguidelines or limitations for a fueling or purchase transaction made inassociation with a transponder according to the present invention.

[0043]FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of a transponder anddispenser system for providing a shadow ledger of transpondertransactions constructed according to the present invention.

[0044]FIG. 24 is a flow chart of a basic process for maintaining ashadow ledger according to the present invention.

[0045]FIG. 25 is a flow chart of a basic process for transactiontracking throughout numerous fueling environments according to thepresent invention.

[0046]FIGS. 26A and 26B are a flow chart of a basic process forproviding predefined preferences to a customer during a transaction madein association with a transponder according to the present invitation.

[0047]FIG. 27 is a schematic representation of a fuel dispenser and fuelcontainer for personal transport of fuel.

[0048]FIG. 28 is a flow chart of a basic process for monitoring anddetecting acceptable containers for fueling.

[0049]FIGS. 29A and 29B are a flow chart of a basic process forproviding pre-transaction estimates according to the present invention.

[0050]FIG. 30 is a flow chart of a basic process for providing acustomer with estimated cost totals of a fueling transaction to enable acustomer to make an informed decision regarding payment at a cashacceptor of a fuel dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] In the following description, like reference characters designatelike or corresponding parts throughout the several figures. It should beunderstood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describingpreferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit theinvention thereto.

[0052] Given the extensive nature of the present application, anoverview of the necessary hardware for the various areas in the fuelingenvironment will be discussed followed by a description of the variousfunctional aspects of the system and how the customer will react andinteract with the system during various types of transactions.

[0053] As best seen in FIG. 1, a fueling and retail environment,generally designated 10, is shown constructed according to the presentinvention. The fueling and retail environment provides customers 12 theopportunity to purchase fuel for their vehicles as well as other goodsand services, such as fast food and car washes. The fueling and retailenvironment 10 may include one or more of a forecourt 16, where the fueldispensers 18 are located, a convenience or fuel station store 20, oneor more quick-serve restaurants (QSR) 22, a car wash 24, and a backroom26. The backroom 26 is generally the central control area forintegrating or coordinating control of the dispensers 18, conveniencestore 20, QSR 22, and car wash 24.

[0054] The convenience store 20 typically includes an inventory of awide assortment of products, ranging from beverages and foods tohousehold goods. The convenience store includes a transaction terminalor register 30, where a customer 12 may purchase convenience storeproducts, fuel, car washes or QSR food.

[0055] The QSR 22 generally includes an order pick-up area 32 having aQSR transaction terminal or register 34 located within the conveniencestore and a drive-thru terminal and window 36. Depending on theapplication, the QSR transaction terminal and drive-thru terminal 36 maybe separated or integrated in any fashion. Usually, customers are ableto place orders at the QSR transaction terminal 34 in the store as wellas pick up orders in conventional drive-thru style at drive-thruterminal 36.

[0056] The QSR 22 may also include a food preparation area 40, a foodpreparation interface 42 for providing order instruction to QSR foodpreparers, a drive-thru order placement interface 44 for placingdrive-thru orders in a conventional manner, and a customer positionmonitor 46 for determining the location or position of a customer inline to pick up a QSR order at the drive-thru window 36. Notably, thedrive-thru and car wash lanes depicted in FIG. 1 are designed to controlthe flow of traffic through the respective lanes and aid to ensurevehicles, and their respective transponders, pass by the variousinterrogation points in the fueling environment as desired.

[0057] The car wash 24 includes a car wash interface 48 that interactswith the customer and controls the automatic car wash system (notshown), which may be any suitable automatic car wash. Preferably, acustomer 12 will be able to order a car wash at a fuel dispenser 18, atthe transaction terminal or register 30 of the convenience store 20, atthe QSR transaction terminal 34, or at the car wash interface 48directly. Similarly, customers are able to order fast-food items fromthe QSR 22 from various locations in the fueling environment 10,including at the fuel dispensers 18, drive-thru order placementinterface 44, and the in-store QSR terminal 34.

[0058] Although various overall system and control integration schemesare available, the four major parts of the fueling environment 10—forecourt 16, convenience store 20, QSR 22 and car wash 24 —typicallyinterface at the backroom 26 using a central control system 50. Thecentral control system 50 may include any number of individualcontrollers from the various parts of the fueling environment 10 toprovide overall system control and integration. The central controlsystem 50 may interface with the fuel dispensers 18, transactionterminal 30, QSR transaction terminal 34 and the car wash interface 48.Preferably the drive-thru terminal 36, drive-thru order placementinterface 44 and customer position monitor 46 directly interface withthe QSR terminal 34 in order to integrate the QSR functions prior tointerfacing with the central control system 50. However, those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize several control variationscapable of implementing an integrated system. Additionally, an automatedvending system 28 may also interface with the central control system 50or directly with any one of the other areas of the fueling environment10, such as the fuel dispensers 18, in order to allow a customer 12 topurchase products from the vending system 28 at a remote location.

[0059] The present invention relates generally to providing remotecommunications between the customer 12 or the vehicle 14 and variousparts of the fueling environment briefly described above. In short, manyareas within the fueling environment 10 will be equipped withcommunication electronics capable of providing uni- or bi-directionalcommunications with the customer or vehicle carrying a remotecommunications device. The communication electronics will typicallyinclude a transmitter for transmitting signals to the remotecommunications device and a receiver for receiving signals emanatingfrom the remote communications device. The remote communications devicemay also include a receiver and transmitter. The transmitter andreceiver of the remote communications device may separately receive andseparately transmit signals in cooperation with an associated controlsystem or may be configured so that the transmitter actually operates onand modifies a signal received from the communication electronics in thefueling environment 10. The latter embodiment encompasses traditionaltransponder-type communication systems wherein the remote communicationsdevice may be either passive or active.

[0060] For the sake of conciseness and readability, the term“transponder” will be used herein to describe any type of remotecommunications device capable of communicating with the communicationelectronics of the fueling environment 10. The remote communicationsdevice may include traditional receivers and transmitters alone or incombination as well as traditional transponder electronics adapted torespond and/or modify an original signal to provide a transmit signal. Atransponder as defined herein may provide either unidirectional orbidirectional communications with the communications electronics of thefueling environment 10.

[0061] Likewise, the communication electronics associated with thevarious aspects of the fueling environment 10 will be called an“interrogator.” An interrogator will generally include a transmitter andreceiver capable of communicating with a transponder as defined above.Please note that an interrogator, as defined herein, need not containboth a receiver and a transmitter for various aspects of the inventionWith the above in mind, the fueling environment 10 may include manyinterrogators of varying capability. These interrogators may include:dispenser interrogators 52, a store transaction interrogator 54, a QSRtransaction interrogator 56, a drive-thru pick-up interrogator 58, adrive-thru order interrogator 60, and a drive-thru position interrogator62. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the dispenser interrogator 52 isgenerally adapted to communicate with vehicle-mounted transponders andpersonal transponder 66. The personal transponder 66 may be mounted on akey fob 68, a wallet card 70, or any other device typically carried bythe customer 12, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. FIG. 2A depicts a vehicle14 having a vehicle-mounted transponder 64.

[0062] The levels of sophistication of the vehicle-mounted transponder64 may vary drastically. The transponder 64 may be integrated with thevehicle's main computer and control system, or may simply be a stickerplaced on a window or on another part of the vehicle. The transponder 64may be active or passive, and may be adapted to either simply send outan identification number or carry out high-level communications and havethe ability to process, store and retrieve information. Various featuresof the invention will be disclosed in greater detail.

[0063] As best seen in FIG. 3, a fuel dispenser 18 is shown constructedaccording to and as part of the present invention. The dispenserprovides a fuel delivery path from an underground storage tank (notshown) to a vehicle 14, (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A). The delivery pathincludes a fuel delivery line 72 having a fuel metering device 74. Thefuel delivery line 72 communicates with a fuel delivery hose 76 outsideof the dispenser 18 and a delivery nozzle 78. The nozzle 78 providesmanual control of fuel delivery to the vehicle 14.

[0064] The dispenser 18 also includes a dispenser control system 80having one or more controllers and associated memory 82. The dispensercontrol system 80 may receive volume data from the metering device 74through cabling 84 as well as provide control of fuel delivery. Thedispenser control system 80 may provide audible signals to an audiomodule and speaker 86 in order to provide various beeps, tones andaudible messages to a customer. These messages may include warnings,instructions and advertising.

[0065] The dispenser 18 is preferably equipped with a payment acceptor,such as a card reader 88 or cash acceptor 90, along with a receiptprinter 92. With these options, the dispenser control system 80 may readdata from the magnetic strip of a card inserted in the card reader 88 orreceive cash from a customer and communicate such information to thecentral control system 50 (as shown in FIG. 1), such as the G-sitecontroller sold by Gilbarco Inc., 7300 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro,North Carolina. The central control system 50 typically communicateswith a remote network 94, such as a card verification authority, toascertain whether a transaction proposed to be charged to or debitedfrom an account associated with the card inserted in the card reader 88is authorized.

[0066] The dispenser 18 will include one or more types of displays,preferably one or more alpha-numeric displays 96 together with ahigh-resolution graphics display 100. The graphics display 100 willgenerally have an associated key pad 102 adjacent to the display orintegrated with the display to provide a touch interface. The dispensermay include an additional, auxiliary key pad 104 associated with thecard reader 88 for entering secret codes or personal identificationnumbers (PIN's). Notably, the displays 96, 100 and key pads 102, 104 maybe integrated into a single device and/or touch interface. The dispensercontrol system 80 is preferably comparable to the microprocessor-basedcontrol systems used in CRIND (card reader in dispenser) and TRIND (tagor transponder reader in dispenser) type units sold by Gilbarco Inc.under the trademark THE ADVANTAGE.

[0067] As noted, the dispenser control system 80 may include or beassociated with dispenser communication electronics referred to asinterrogator 52 for providing remote unidirectional or bidirectionalcommunications between a transponder and the dispenser. Thesetransponders may incorporate the Micron Microstamp™ produced by MicronCommunications, Inc., 8000 South Federal Way, Boise, Id. 83707-0006. TheMicron Microstamp™ engine is an integrated system implementing acommunications platform referred to as the Microstamp™ standard on asingle CMOS chip. A detailed description of the Microstamp™ engine andthe method of communication is provided in its data sheets in the MicronMicrostamp™ Standard Programmers Reference Manual provided by MicronCommunications, Inc. These references and the information provided byMicron Communications on their web site at http://www.mncc.micron.comare incorporated herein by reference. Although the preferredcommunications method includes radio frequencies in the microwave range,these communications may include other RF, infrared, acoustic or otherknown remote communication methods acceptable for use in a fuelingenvironment. Additionally, the dispenser 18 may include one or moreantennas 108 associated with the dispenser interrogator 52.

[0068] Attention is drawn to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,621,913; 5,608,739;5,583,850; 5,572,226; 5,558,679; 5,557,780; 5,552,743; 5,539,775;5,500,650; 5,497,140; 5,479,416; 5,448,110; 5,365,551; 5,323,150 and5,302,239, owned by Micron Technology, Inc. the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

[0069] Turning now to FIG. 4A, the preferred embodiment of a transponderis shown. Transponder communication electronics 110, adapted to provideremote communications with the various interrogators, include atransmitter 114 and receiver 116 having associated antennas 118, 120.The transmitter 114 and receiver 116 operate to transmit and receivedata to and from an interrogator. The communication electronics 110 mayinclude a battery power supply 122, a communication controller 124associated with a memory 126, having software 128 necessary to operatethe communication electronics 110 and optional cryptography electronics112.

[0070] Serial communications between the communication electronics 110and cryptography electronics 112 is provided via the input/output (I/O)ports 130, 140 associated with the respective electronics. Thecommunication electronics 110 provide a signal from a clock 132 to theI/O port 140 of the cryptography electronics 112. The cryptographyelectronics 112 include a controller 134, memory 136 and software 138necessary to encrypt and decrypt data, as well as provide any additionaloperations. The memory 126, 136 may include random access memory (RAM),read only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. Notably, thecommunication controller 124 and the cryptography controller 134 may beintegrated into one controller. Similarly, the software and memory ofthe communication and cryptography modules may be integrated or embodiedin hardware.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4B, the communication and cryptographyelectronics, as well as any associated controllers, may be integratedinto a single controller system and/or integrated circuit. In suchcases, a single controller 142 is associated with memory 144 havingsoftware 146 as necessary for operation. In such an integrated system,the controller 142 will carry out any cryptography functions as well asany other functions necessary for operation.

[0072] In the preferred embodiment, the communications controller 124,142 specifically provides a spread-spectrum processor associated with an8-bit microcontroller. The memory 126, 144 includes 256 bytes of RAM.The receiver 116 operates in conjunction with the spread-spectrumprocessor and is capable of receiving direct sequence, spread-spectrumsignals having a center frequency of 2.44175 GHz. The transmitter 114 ispreferably a DPSK modulated back-scatter transmitter transmittingdifferential phase shift key (DPSK) modulated back scatter at 2.44175GHz with a 596 KHz sub-carrier. The various interrogators in the fuelingenvironment are adapted to receive and transmit the signals to properlycommunicate with the transponders. For additional information on atransponder/interrogator system providing for highly secure transactionsbetween a transponder and a host authorization system through adispenser, attention is drawn to application Ser. No. 08/895,417 filedJul. 16,1997, entitled CRYPTOGRAPHY SECURITY FOR REMOTE DISPENSERTRANSACTIONS in the name of William S. Johnson, Jr.; application Ser.No. 08/895,282 filed Jul. 16, 1997, entitled MEMORY AND PASSWORDORGANIZATION FOR REMOTE DISPENSER TRANSACTIONS in the name of William S.Johnson, Jr.; and application Ser. No. 08/895,225 filed Jul. 16, 1997,entitled PROTOCOL FOR REMOTE DISPENSER TRANSACTIONS in the name ofWilliam S. Johnson, Jr. The disclosures of these applications areincorporated herein by reference.

[0073]FIG. 5 shows a basic schematic overview of the dispenserelectronics wherein a dispenser control system 80 includes a controllerassociated with the memory 82 to interface with the central controlsystem 50 through an interface 146. The dispenser control system 80provides a graphical user interface with key pad 102 and display 100.Audio/video electronics 86 is adapted to interface with the dispensercontrol system 80 and/or an auxiliary audio/video source 156 to provideadvertising, merchandising and multimedia presentations to a customer inaddition to basic transaction functions. The graphical user interfaceprovided by the dispenser allows customers to purchase goods andservices other than fuel at the dispenser. The customer may purchase acar wash and/or order food from the QSR while fueling the vehicle.Preferably, the customer is provided a video menu at the display 100 tofacilitate selection of the various services, goods and food availablefor purchase. The card reader 88 and cash acceptor 90 allow the customerto pay for any of the services, goods or food ordered at the dispenserwhile the printer 92 will provide a written record of the transaction.The dispenser control system 80 is operatively associated with adispenser interrogator 52, which has a receiver 142 and a transmitter144. The receiver and transmitter typically associate with one or moreantennas 108 to provide remote communications with a transponder. Thedispenser control system 80 communicates with the central control system50 in the backroom 26.

[0074] In like fashion, the convenience store transaction electronicsshown in FIG. 6, and more specifically the transaction terminal register30, include a store transaction controller 152, associated memory 154,the interrogator 54, and a display and key pad 150, 160 forming atransaction terminal interface. The transaction controller 152 interactswith the central control system 50 through the central site controlinterface 160. The interrogator 54 includes a receiver 162 and atransmitter 164, both of which are associated with one or more antennas166. The transaction terminal 30 is adapted to provide typicaltransaction functions of a cash register and a card authorizationterminal in addition to communicating with transponders within the storeand/or proximate to the terminal. The communications between thetransponder and the store transaction terminal are generally related totransactional and customer identification and monitoring, although otherfeatures will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon readingthis disclosure.

[0075] Attention is now drawn to FIG. 7 and the schematic outline of theQSR electronics shown therein. The QSR will generally have a controller168 and associated memory 170 capable of interfacing with the centralcontrol system 50 through a central site control interface 172. As withmany QSR's, a transaction terminal or register 174 is provided having akey pad 176 and display 178. The QSR transaction terminal 174 is used bya QSR operator to take customer orders from within the store inconventional fashion. The orders are either verbally or electronicallycommunicated to the food preparation area 40 through the QSR controller168. The QSR transaction terminal 174 is associated with interrogator 56having a receiver 177 and a transmitter 179 associated with one or moreantennas 175. The food preparation area will typically have a foodpreparation interface 42 having a display 180 and a key pad 182. Thefood preparation interface 42 may be a terminal run from the QSRcontroller 168 or may contain a food preparation controller 184 withinthe food preparation interface 42. However the system is arranged, orderinformation is passed from one of the order interfaces to the foodpreparation display 180 to alert food preparers of an order.

[0076] In a QSR embodiment providing drive-thru capability, a remoteorder entry interface 186 is provided. The order entry interface 186 mayinclude a simple menu board and audio intercom system 188, or in a moresophisticated embodiment, may provide for bi-directional video intercomusing the audio intercom 188 and a video system 190 allowing thecustomer and QSR operator to audibly and visually interact with oneanother during order placement. The order entry interface 186 may alsoinclude an interrogator 60 having a receiver 192 and a transmitter 194,associated with one or more antennas 195, for communicating with atransponder of a customer when the customer is placing an order at theorder entry interface 186.

[0077] Typically, orders placed at the order entry interface 186 aresent to the order pick-up interface 196, which is normally situatedproximate to the pick-up window 36 at the end of the drive-thru lane.The order pick-up interface 196 will have an audio system 198 to providethe audio intercom and an optional video system 200 if video intercomwith the order entry interface 186 is desired. The order pick-upinterface 196 also has an associated interrogator 58 having a receiver202 and a transmitter 204 associated with one or more antennas 206.

[0078] Unlike existing QSR's, the present invention may include acustomer position detector 208, preferably placed somewhere along thedrive-thru lane to detect when a customer is at or is past that positionen route to pick up an order, which may have been placed at a fueldispenser 18. The customer position detector 208 is associated with thedrive-thru position interrogator 62 and includes a receiver 210 and atransmitter 212 associated with one or more antennas 214.

[0079]FIG. 8 depicts the basic outline of the car wash electronics,which includes a controller 216, memory 218, a key pad 220, a display222 and the interrogator 51. The key pad 220 and display 222 combinewith the controller 216 to provide a customer interface 48. Theinterrogator 51 includes a receiver 224 and a transmitter 226 associatedwith one or more antennas 228. Additionally, the car wash controller 216preferably communicates with the central control system 50 in the storevia a central site control interface 230. The interrogator 51 willtypically communicate with a customer transponder to automaticallyauthorize a car wash previously paid for at the dispenser or inside thestore. The key pad may be used to insert a secret code or otherinformation to select a type of wash or otherwise authorize the carwash.

[0080]FIG. 9 generally depicts the central control system 50 found inthe backroom of the fueling environment 10. The central control system50 may include one or more controllers 232 associated with memory 234.The central control system 50 may include multiple interfaces with thevarious areas in the fueling environment 10. These interfaces includethe car wash interface 230, dispenser interface 146, QSR interface 172and the vending interface 236 connected to an automated vending machine28. Additionally, the central controller 232 may have a dedicatednetwork or authorization interface 238 connected to a host transactionnetwork 94 for authorizing credit and debit transactions and the like.An Internet interface may also be provided for transactions and otherinformation relating to operation, advertising, merchandising andgeneral inventory and management functions.

[0081] The dedicated authorization interface and/or Internet interfacemay operate on a dedicated service line or a telephone system 242.Furthermore, the central control system 50 may have a direct operatorinterface 244 associated with the controller 232 to allow an operator tointeract with the control system. In more advanced embodiments, acentral positioning interface 246 associated with multiple antennas 248may be used to determine transponder position and location throughoutthe fueling environment. Those skilled in the art will be aware of amultitude of positioning and locating techniques, such as triangulation,wherein various characteristics of a signal emitted from the transponderare measured and monitored to determine movement as well as preciselocation. The antennas 248 associated with the central positioninginterface 246 may take the place of or act in conjunction with thevarious antennas throughout the fueling environment to locate andmonitor movement of the transponders in the fueling environment.Attention is drawn to application Serial No. 08/966,237 entitledTRANSPONDER DISTINCTION IN A FUELING ENVIRONMENT filed Nov. 7, 1997, inthe name of William S. Johnson, Jr. and application Ser. No. 08/759,733filed Dec. 6, 1996, entitled INTELLIGENT FUELING in the name ofHartsell, et al. The entire disclosure of these two patent applicationsis incorporated herein by reference.

[0082] Multistage Ordering

[0083] One of the many unique aspects of the present invention isproviding for monitoring customer position throughout the fuelingenvironment in order to associate orders placed at the fuel dispenserwith the particular customer that placed the order at the appropriatereceiving point, such as the QSR drive-thru terminal and window 36, QSRtransaction terminal 34 in the store, or, in the case of a car wash, atthe car wash interface 48. In addition to associating the customerpicking up the order with the appropriate order, the QSR can monitor ordetect the position of the customer in the drive-thru line or elsewherein the fueling environment to determine when to start order preparation.

[0084] For example, during the fueling operation, the customer maydecide to order a few items from the QSR menu displayed at the dispenser18. As the customer enters the order, the order is associated with thetransponder carried by the customer or mounted on the customer'svehicle. The customer may choose to pay for the order along with thefuel at the dispenser, at the order pick-up place at the drive-thruwindow, or at one of the in-store registers associated with the QSR orthe convenience store. Continuing with our example and assuming thetransaction was paid for at the dispenser along with the fuel, thecustomer will enter his vehicle and proceed to drive around the fuelstation store along the drive-thru lane and pass the customer positionmonitor 46. As the customer approaches the customer position monitor 46,the drive-thru position interrogator 62 will receive a signal from thecustomer transponder indicating the customer is at a known position inthe drive-thru lane. At this point, the QSR control system 168 willalert the food preparation area 40 to prepare the order and indicate tothe order pick-up interface and controller 196 the position of thecustomer in the drive-thru lane. Once the customer reaches the orderpick-up window, the order pick-up interrogator will determine thepresence of the customer transponder and associate the customer's orderaccordingly so that the drive-thru window operator can deliver thefreshly prepared order to the correct customer. Associating the customerwith the appropriate order in a fueling environment having a QSR isquite different from traditional QSR drive-thru systems. With QSR's in afueling environment, orders for pick up at the drive-thru window, orwithin the store for that matter, may be placed in a different sequencethan the sequence in which the orders are actually picked up. The reasonfor the possible discrepancy between order placement and order pick uparises because orders can be placed at several locations, including thefuel dispenser and the traditional order entry interface 44. Inparticular, those customers placing orders at the dispenser will mostlikely intermingle in the drive-thru line with those placing orders atthe order entry interface 44. The present invention uses transponders toappropriately associate orders placed at different locations with theappropriate customer at a common pick-up location.

[0085] With this in mind, attention is drawn to the flow chart of FIGS.10A and 10B representing the basic flow of various multistage orderingprocesses. The process begins (block 500) when the dispenserinterrogator 52 receives a signal from a transponder 12, 14 and thedispenser control system 80 forwards transponder identification indicia(ID) to the central control system 50 for authorization (block 502).Authorization may occur locally at the central site controller 232 or ata remote host authorization network. The information to be authorized isgenerally financial or account information and can either be transmittedwith the transponder ID or stored at the central control system 50 orthe host network 94 in association with the transponder ID. In thelatter case, either the host network 94 or the central control system 50will associate the ID with the stored account information and thenauthorize the transponder based on the correlated account information.Preferably, the transponder is read and authorized as the customerand/or vehicle approaches or initially stops at the fueling position andpreferably, at least, before a transaction is initiated to increasetransaction efficiency. As the customer fuels the vehicle, the dispensermay display various types of information including advertising andinstructional information. Preferably, the dispenser 18 will displayoptions for ordering food items from the QSR or ordering a car wash atthe car wash 24 (block 504). The dispenser 18 will determine whether anorder is placed (block 506). The dispenser 18 will receive any ordersplaced by the customer (block 508) and associate the order with thetransponder in some fashion (block 510). Typically, the order isassociated with a transponder by (1) associating the order with thetransponder ID at one of the control systems, (2) transmitting andstoring a code associated with the order on the transponder, or (3)actually storing the order on the transponder. Those of ordinary skillin the art will recognize that there are many variations available forassociating an order with a transponder. These variations are consideredwithin the scope of this disclosure and the claims that follow.

[0086] Although there are various options, two general methods forassociating an order with a transponder will be discussed below. Withthe first, no information is transmitted to the transponder relating tothe order. Instead, the electronics at the dispenser 18, central controlsystem 50 or the QSR 22 stores the order information and associates theorder with the transponder ID. When one of the interrogatorssubsequently reads the transponder ID, the pertinent system willcorrelate the order with the transponder ID. The second method involveswriting information to the transponder at the dispenser 18 andsubsequently transmitting that information to one of the systeminterrogators for authorization or order identification. The informationwritten to the transponder may range from a code for identificationauthorization purposes to the complete order placed at the dispenser.

[0087] Returning to FIG. 10A, the basic flow of both of theabove-discussed methods are shown. In cases where one of the controlsystems associates an order based on the transponder ID, the customerorder is transferred to the QSR controller 108 through the centralcontrol system 50 (block 512). The dispenser 18 will effect payment forthe transaction (typically adding the QSR purchase total to the fuelingcharge) and the QSR controller 168 will alert the food preparation areato prepare the order (block 514).

[0088] In a basic environment, the QSR order pick-up interface 198 willmonitor for the presence of a transponder through the drive-thru pick-upinterrogator 58 or the in-store QSR transaction terminal interrogator 56(block 516). If a transponder is not detected, the systems continue tomonitor for a transponder (block 518). Once a transponder is detected,the transponder ID is received (block 520) and the transponder ID isassociated with the appropriate order (block 522). At this point, theQSR operator located at the pick-up window or the in-store transactionterminal is informed of the order corresponding to the customer at thewindow or terminal (block 524) and the fueling and retail transactionfor that particular customer ends (block 526).

[0089] Alternatively, once a customer places an order and the dispenser18 receives the order (block 508), and the order is associated with thetransponder (block 510), the dispenser 18 may transmit order indicia,such as a code for the order itself, to the transponder for storage(block 528). Next, the dispenser 18 will effect payment for thetransaction as discussed above (block 530). In the more basic embodimentdiscussed above, the QSR interrogators associated with the QSR window orin-store terminal will monitor for the presence of a transponder (block516 and 518), receive the transponder order indicia (block 518), andassociate the order with the indicia received from the transponder(block 522). The operator is then informed of the order for thatparticular customer (block 524).

[0090] In any of the above embodiments, the customer position detector46 may be used to alert QSR operators of the approach and location inthe drive-thru line of a particular customer. For the sake of clarity,the process of FIG. 10A only depicts using the customer positiondetector 46 in a process where order indicia is transmitted to thetransponder. Please note that using the customer position detector 46may be used in any of the embodiments, as those of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate.

[0091] Once the order is placed, received and associated with thetransponder in normal fashion (blocks 500-510), indicia of the order istransmitted to the transponder (block 528) and the transaction iseffected (block 530) in normal fashion. At this point, the customerposition detector 46 will monitor for the presence of a transponder viathe interrogator 62 (blocks 532 and 534). Once a transponder isdetected, the customer position detector 46 will forward the transponderindicia to the food preparation area 40 through the QSR controller 108.This allows for the food preparation operators to timely prepare acustomer order based on the customer's approach to the pick-up window(block 536). This information may also be sent to the pick-up operatorto indicate customer position. The customer will proceed along thedrive-thru lane until the pick-up window is approached where thetransponder is detected by the order pickup interrogator 58 (blocks 516and 518). The transponder ID or indicia is received by the QSRelectronics, and the operator is informed of the order corresponding tothe customer at the window (blocks 522-526).

[0092] Although there are numerous variations to multistage ordering,the important aspects of the invention are associating a transponderwith an order placed by a customer at the fuel dispenser andsubsequently using information from the transponder to reassociate theorder with that particular transponder. Optionally, an additionalinterrogation stage may provide a further alert to a QSR operator of theapproach of a customer to initiate food preparation or simply indicatethe position of the customer in line.

[0093] The multistage ordering works equally well with QSR's and carwash systems. When a car wash is ordered at the dispenser, theparticular car wash ordered is associated with the transponder at thedispenser and subsequently reassociated when the customer approaches thecar wash area 24 and is interrogated by the car wash interrogator 51. Inthe preferred embodiment, the dispenser operates in conjunction with thecentral control system 50 to provide authorization of the car washpurchased at the dispenser. When the customer is at the car wash 24, thecustomer's transponder is interrogated for an ID or a code, which thecar wash controller and/or the central control system 50 recognizes aspreauthorized. If additional security is necessary on any of theseembodiments, the customer may receive a code or other indicia, whichthey are required to enter or submit when the corresponding goods orservices are received.

[0094] Furthermore, the fuel dispenser 18 is not the only point of salewhere ordering may take place. A customer having a transponder may, forinstance, order a car wash in conjunction with placing an order at thein-store QSR terminal or the convenience store terminal while purchasingfood or other merchandise. The interrogators at either of theseterminals can just as easily associate the car wash with the customertransponder and operate through the central control system 50 tosubsequently reassociate the customer and the car wash ordered at thecar wash interface 48. The multistage ordering disclosed herein providesa solution for keeping track of various transactions in a fuelingenvironment where customer orders are picked up in locations separatefrom where they are placed and very likely may not be picked up in theorder they were placed.

[0095] Loyalty Benefits

[0096] The present invention may also be configured to provide varioustypes of loyalty benefits based on past and/or current transactions.Loyalty benefits will be provided to a customer in order to encouragesubsequent return to a particular fueling environment or one of anassociated group of environments. The benefit may also encourage thepurchase of additional products during the current or a subsequenttransaction. The benefits may include cash rebates or discountsproviding a type of electronic couponing to enhance merchandising andmarketing efforts. A loyalty point may be earned by a customer for eachtransaction, transaction amount, or type or quantity of a particularproduct or service. For example, a loyalty point may be earned for eachgallon of gas purchased or for a fill-up requiring eight or more gallonsof gas. The store operators have tremendous flexibility in determiningthe various criteria for earning loyalty points. Additionally, theloyalty benefits or points are preferably redeemed by a customer inpart, or in whole, on subsequent visits to the same or an associatedfueling environment. Redeeming points at a subsequent transactionprovides an incentive for a customer to return to environmentsparticipating in the benefit program. Although redeeming points on asubsequent purchase is preferred, benefits may be made immediatelyavailable based solely on the current transaction. Furthermore, thebenefits may be based upon current and prior transactions, and allow forboth current and subsequent benefit. The basic flow of the process forproviding such benefits is shown in FIG. 10C.

[0097] The process begins (block 540) when a transponder is interrogated(block 542). Preferably, indicia, including identification indicia, isreceived from the transponder (block 544). Once the relevant controllerreceives the transponder indicia, one of two events typically occurs.The first option is to receive loyalty information, which is included inthe transponder indicia, directly from the transponder. Optionally, thecontroller may use the transponder indicia, preferably identificationindicia, to look up benefit information, including loyalty points,stored in an associated database anywhere within the fueling environmentor at a remote network (block 546). Thus, loyalty information may bestored on the transponder and transmitted to the relevant control systemor accessed from virtually any location based on some type ofidentification provided by the transponder.

[0098] At this point, the customer is engaging in a transaction and therelevant control systems will monitor such transaction (block 548) anddetermine whether to provide a benefit based on the current transaction(block 550). If a benefit is to be provided based on the currenttransaction, the controller will determine how to apply the currentbenefit information (block 552). The controller basically has twooptions. The controller may store the benefit information on thetransponder or the relevant database (block 554), or apply the currentbenefit information to the current transaction (block 556).

[0099] Regardless of whether a benefit is provided based on the currenttransaction, the controller will preferably determine whether or not toapply a stored benefit to the current transaction based on priortransactions (block 558). If a stored benefit is not available or thecontroller is not adapted to provide such benefit, the process ends(block 560). If a stored benefit is available for application to thecurrent transaction, the transaction is updated and the appropriatedatabase in the transponder or associated with the controller is updated(block 562). Typically, the benefit is applied to the currenttransaction at this time, and the process is ended (block 560).

[0100] The loyalty benefits capable of being provided by this processallow tremendous flexibility and automatically implement incentives toincrease customer loyalty and improve business.

[0101] Cash Customers

[0102] Another important aspect of the present invention is providingrefunds and loyalty points or benefits to cash customers. Traditionally,service stations were not able to monitor cash transactions or cashcustomers for merchandising efforts or to provide these customers withbenefits that were provided to card customers. The card customersprovided the service station operators with information to determinewhat types of purchasing activities specific customers had in additionto providing the customer with various benefits based on prior purchasesand transactions. For example, a system comparable to the centralcontrol system 50, alone or in conjunction with a remote host network94, could track customer purchases and provide a benefit based on apurchase type or an amount of a series of purchases. Prior toapplicant's invention, cash customers were basically “invisible” tothese types of merchandising aspects of the fuel station environment.

[0103] Additionally, efforts have been made to provide cash acceptors atthe fuel dispensers 18 to enable customers to pay cash at the dispenserin order to expedite the fueling transaction for the benefit of thestation operator and customer. The difficulty in using cash acceptors isproviding the customer proper change when the amount of fuel dispenseddiffers from the cash amount inserted into the cash acceptor 90.Although the fuel dispenser 18 is a sophisticated instrument, it is noteconomical to further include a change machine at each fueling positionof each dispenser. Thus, cash acceptor technology has not caught on inmost fueling environments. Furthermore, requiring a customer to enterthe store to receive his or her cash refund or change defeats thepurpose of paying at the dispenser. Similarly, since the customer'svehicle tank ullage is unknown, fueling to a prepaid dollar amount isoften impractical and inconvenient to the customer.

[0104] The present invention provides a solution to the above problemsby keeping track of cash customers and their respective refunds andloyalty points using transponder technology. A cash customer eithercarries a transponder or has a transponder mounted on his or hervehicle, and the transponder is used to associate any refunds or loyaltybenefits with the otherwise invisible cash customer. The customer mayuse the cash acceptor 90 of the fuel dispenser 18 and receive any changeas credit on or associated with the transponder. The transponder maysimply provide an ID and the central control system 50 or remote hostnetwork 94 will keep track of the refund associated with that ID forlater credit. Alternatively, the refund amount or credit may be directlytransmitted to and stored on the transponder wherein that amount istransmitted to a dispenser for credit on a subsequent fuelingtransaction or to a cash dispensing machine at the site.

[0105] With this invention, customer loyalty and merchandising programsare made available using a transponder associated with a cash customer.Whether the customer pays at the dispenser or at one of the registersinside the store, interrogators placed at the dispensers, registers oranywhere else in the store can interact with the customer transponder inorder to keep track of loyalty points, benefit information or simplymonitor the customer's purchasing habits. This information is preferablystored at the central control system 50, at a remote host network 94 ordirectly on the transponder.

[0106] Attention is drawn to FIGS. 11A and 11B depicting a flow chartrepresenting basic interaction with the transponder of the cashcustomer. Typically, a new transaction begins when a cash customerhaving a personal transponder 12 or vehicle mounted transponder 14drives up to a fueling position at one of the dispensers 18 and beginsfueling (block 600). The customer will generally start a new transactionby beginning fueling (block 602). This is typically accomplished byinitially interacting with the fuel dispenser user interface comprisingthe key pad and display 102, 100 to select a cash or credit transaction.The dispenser control system 80 will determine if the customer is makinga cash transaction (block 604) and relay that information to the centralcontrol system 50. Although determining whether or not the customer isconducting a cash transaction occurs at the beginning of the fuelingprocess in FIGS. 11A and 11B, this determination can be made anytimeduring the fueling operation and at virtually any payment location,including the register or transaction terminal 30 in the store.

[0107] At this point, the dispenser control system 80, operating inconjunction with the dispenser interrogator 52, will retrieve thetransponder ID (block 606). The dispenser control system 80 and centralcontrol system 50 will operate to retrieve information relating to priortransactions which may affect the current transaction. This informationmay be cash refunds from previous transactions, credits or loyaltypoints, or other benefits based on prior transactions. These benefitsmay include electronic couponing, wherein discounts for future purchasesmay be provided for any variety of merchandising or marketing reasons.Depending on system configuration, this information may be stored on thetransponder, or at any of the control systems in the fuelingenvironment, such as the central control system, in addition to beingmaintained at a remote host network 94 system communicating with otherstations. When the information is stored on the transponder or at theremote network, loyalty programs and refund data is made easilyattainable by other fueling environment systems. Thus, the dispenser 18may retrieve prior transaction information from the transponder (block608) or retrieve this information from a database stored at one of manycontrol systems associated with the dispenser (block 610). Regardless ofsystem architecture, some type of identification indicia is necessary toassociate a particular customer's information with a correspondingtransponder. Subsequently, one of the controllers associated with thedispenser such as the dispenser control system 80, convenience storetransaction controller 152 or central site controller 232, willdetermine a transaction subtotal (block 612). The controller will applyany prior refunds, loyalty points or benefits the customer hasaccumulated due to the current transaction and/or any prior transactions(block 614). A new transaction total is then determined (block 616).

[0108] Next, payment is received at one of the in-store registers, suchas the in-store transaction terminal 30, or at the cash acceptor 90 ofthe dispenser 18 (block 618). Notably, initial dispenser authorizationmay depend upon receiving the cash payment at the beginning of thefueling operation and before fueling begins. The dispenser controlsystem 80, or one of the associated controllers, will subsequentlydetermine a refund amount and any loyalty points or benefits accumulatedbased on the current transaction and any earlier transactions,accordingly. The station operator has tremendous freedom in determiningthe criteria for issuing benefits and points based on a singletransaction or a series of transactions. Depending on whether theinformation is stored directly on a transponder or elsewhere, the refundand loyalty information must be transmitted to the transponder throughthe appropriate interrogator, such as the dispenser interrogator or thestore transaction interrogator 54. The appropriate interrogatorprimarily depends on where the actual cash transaction takes place. Ifthe information is not stored on the transponder, the information willbe stored at one of the local control systems or the host network 94(block 624). Once the transaction is over, the system will begin anew bywaiting for another transponder-carrying cash customer (block 626).

[0109] Discount For Transponder Use

[0110] Another aspect of the invention is providing a system capable ofapplying a discount to a transaction when a transponder or otherpreferred method of payment is used. The system is preferably adapted toprovide benefits or discounts to a transaction when a transponder isassociated with the transaction to encourage transponder use, whileavoiding cash payment or other less desirable payment methods.

[0111] Attention is now directed to FIG. 11C where a basic process fordiscounting a transponder related transaction is shown. As the processbegins (block 630), a transponder is interrogated (block 632) andtransponder indicia is received by one of the control systems in thefueling environment (block 634). The control system will proceed withthe transaction (block 636) and will ultimately determine what type ofmethod will be used for the transaction and what, if any, discount willbe provided based on the chosen method of payment.

[0112] Initially, the control system will determine whether or not atransponder is being used in association with the transaction (block638). If a transponder is being used, the control system will provide afirst discount rate to all or a portion of the transaction (block 640),and proceed to determine transaction totals (block 650). If atransponder is not used in association with the transaction, the controlsystem may determine whether or not a card, such as debit, credit orsmartcard, is used with the transaction (block 642). If a card is usedin association with the transaction, the control system may provide asecond discount for all or a portion of the transaction (block 644), andproceed to determine transaction totals (block 650).

[0113] If there is no transponder or card associated with thetransaction, the control system may determine whether or not thetransaction is a cash transaction (block 646). This may be by default ifno card or transponder is used, or may result from the customerselecting a cash transaction or an operator indicating a cashtransaction at a POS position. If a cash transaction is determined, thecontrol system is configured to provide a third discount rate to all orpart of the transaction (block 648) and proceed to determine transactiontotals (block 650).

[0114] The system operator may elect to provide different rates for thefirst, second and third discount rates associated with the transponder,card and cash transactions, respectively. Furthermore, the operator mayelect not to provide a discount for all or any combination of thevarious methods of payment. Preferably, a greater discount is providedfor transactions using a transponder in order to encourage transponderuse with transactions. Similarly, to avoid the use of cash transactions,the system operator may decide not to provide any discount for cashtransactions. Once the transaction totals are determined (block 650) andthe appropriate discount rates are applied, payment is received (block652) and the process comes to an end (block 654). Those skilled in theart should quickly recognize the benefits inherent in certain paymentmethods to improve transaction efficiencies and encourage methods ofpayment beneficial to the station operator.

[0115] Cash Prepay With Transponder

[0116] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a systemand method for providing a prepaid transponder capable of being usedwith dispensers and other POS terminals in a fueling environment. Thepresent invention allows a customer to prepay for subsequenttransactions at a terminal capable of communicating with the transponderin order to store the amount of prepayment on the transponder, or atleast associate the amount of prepayment in a database associated withthe terminal and any future transaction locations, such as a fueldispenser.

[0117] Attention is directed to FIGS. 11D and 11E where a basic processfor using a prepaid transponder is shown. When the basic process begins(block 660), a transponder is interrogated at a cash or other paymentreceiving terminal (block 662). The terminal will receive cash or othervalue (block 664), and either transmit to the transponder a value forthe cash or other prepayment received or store that value in a databaseassociated with the controller (block 666).

[0118] At this point, the transponder has value (or is associated withvalue) and is capable of being interrogated at various POS terminals. Inthis example, the POS is an interface at a fuel dispenser. During thetransaction, the dispenser will interrogate the transponder (block 668)and authorize a transaction within the stored credit or value of thetransponder (block 670). The transaction will proceed (block 672) andthe appropriate control system will determine that the values incurredduring a transaction remain less than the value of the transponder(block 674). As the transaction is monitored, the control system willstop or limit the transaction (block 684) before the value of thetransponder is exceeded. As long as the transaction remains less thanthe value of the transponder, the transaction will proceed untilcompleted (block 676). Once the transaction is complete, the controlsystem will determine transaction totals (block 678) and transmit suchtotals to the transponder for accounting (block 680). Alternatively,these totals may be sent to a database corresponding to the respectivetransponder in order to keep track of prepayment and associated totals.The accounting may be done at the transponder, wherein the value of thetransaction is received by the transponder and the appropriatecalculations are completed. Alternatively, the control system may simplyupdate the value associated with the transponder by either transmittingthis value directly to the transponder or storing it in the databasesassociated with the transponder.

[0119] Preferably, the control system will interact with the transponderor the database maintaining the value associated with the transponder todetermine the remaining transponder totals or value (block 682), anddisplay such totals to the customer (block 686). These totals mayinclude the amount of prior transactions, the remaining value of thetransponder before the transaction, or the value of the transponderafter the transaction. The system operator will have great flexibilityin deciding the various accounting information made available to thecustomer. Preferably, the information will be sufficient to allow thecustomer to recognize when the transponder value is approaching zero (0)or a predefined threshold to alert the customer that it is time to addvalue to the transponder.

[0120] For example, the control system may monitor the transponder valueto determine whether that value is less than or equal to a predefinedvalue, such as zero, or any other desired threshold. If the value isless than or equal to the set value, the control system may beconfigured to alert the customer of the current transponder value andthat it has dropped below the threshold amount (block 690) and theprocess ends (block 692). If the transponder value is greater than thethreshold, the system operator may elect not to provide a warning to thecustomer and end the process (block 692).

[0121] Notably, during any portion of the process described above, thecontrol system may allow the customer to add value to the transponder atthe current transaction terminal. For instance, the customer may use thecash acceptor or card reader at the fuel dispenser to add value to thetransponder. The customer will simply determine an amount to add to thetransponder, and the dispenser interrogator will simply interrogate thetransponder and transmit the relevant added value information to thetransponder or receive the transponder ID and update an associateddatabase accordingly (blocks 662-666). Storing this value should beinterpreted to include adding to or subtracting from an existing valueor any other accounting necessary for operation.

[0122] Transponder Monitoring and Location Detection

[0123] In several aspects of the present invention, it is desirable todetermine the location and/or proximity of a transponder, whethervehicle mounted or carried by a customer, with respect to a specificfueling position of a dispenser or interrogation system. In otheraspects, it is desirable to track the transponder throughout the fuelingenvironment 10. Although the embodiments described herein use thedispenser as a reference, any of the interrogation systems in thefueling environment may be adapted to determine transponder locationand/or proximity.

[0124] Determining location and proximity of a transponder with respectto a fuel dispenser in a fueling environment presents a unique problembecause the fueling environment includes multiple dispensers withmultiple positions. At any given time, numerous transponders will be inor moving about the fueling environment and the many interrogationfields associated with the various interrogators. The dispensers andassociated control systems must distinguish between personal andvehicle-mounted transponders used to carry out a transaction fromtransponders attached to a vehicle driving by the fueling position orcarried by a person walking by the dispenser. Fueling environments mustbe able to avoid communicating with a second transponder during atransaction with a first transponder.

[0125] Texas Instruments (TI) has made an attempt at implementing asystem in a fueling environment capable of communicating withtransponders. The beta sites for the Texas Instruments system arebelieved to communicate with transponders using an interrogatortransmitting an interrogation signal having a 134 kHz carrier. Certaintransponders within range of the 134 kHz signal will transmit a signalback to the interrogator using either a 134 kHz or a 903 MHz carrier.

[0126] The TI system uses two different types of RFID devices: handheldand car mount transponders. The handheld transponder transmits andreceives radio communications at 134 kHz. The car mount transponderreceives at 134 kHz and transmits at 903 MHz. The dispenser is equippedwith a large loop antenna adapted to transmit at 134 kHz and a smallerantenna configured to receive at 903 MHz. The smaller 903 MHz antenna ismounted with the large loop antenna at the top of the dispenser. The TIsystem also requires an antenna mounted on the dispenser face andadapted to transmit and receive at 134 kHz. The car mount transpondercommunicates to the fuel dispenser via the large loop antenna located atthe top of the dispenser.

[0127] A handheld transponder outside of the face mounted antenna'srange may receive a signal transmitted from the loop antenna, but thedispenser will not be affected because the handheld transponder respondsto the loop antenna polling by transmitting back at 134 kHz, a frequencyignored by the 903 MHz receiving antenna. The only way that the 134 kHzsignal from the handheld transponder can be picked up by the dispenseris by putting the transponder within 2-6 inches of the fuel dispenserdoor, where the face antenna is located. The face antenna, which istypically mounted in the dispenser door for handheld transponders,cannot receive other signals due to its limited power and range.

[0128] The 134 kHz loop antenna sends the car mount transponder itsinterrogation ID number and the car mount transponder responds with thesame ID number so that its signal will be ignored by other dispenserloop antennas that accidentally pick up signals having differentinterrogation ID numbers. The loop antenna is not a directional antenna,but its range can be limited to a defined area with reasonable certaintyso that its 134 kHz interrogation signal is not picked up by another carat another dispenser. The loop antenna can be adjusted so that overlapwith other loop antennas in the forecourt is minimal or non-existent.

[0129] The 903 MHz signal sent by the car mounted transponder is omnidirectional meaning its signal can travel in all directions and can bepicked up easily by other dispensers. The reason that this is notproblematic is that the 903 MHz signal sent by the car mount transpondercontaining the interrogation ID number of the dispenser it wishes tocommunicate with will only be sent after being contacted by the signalhaving its interrogation ID number. This way, other dispensers withdifferent interrogation ID numbers will ignore a signal sent by a carmount transponder with a different interrogation ID number.

[0130] The 903 MHz signal transmitted from the transponder to theinterrogator is substantially non-directional and can be heardthroughout the entire fueling environment and most likely for quite somedistance outside the fueling environment. Transponder transmissionscarrying throughout the fueling environment add significant difficultyin correlating a transponder with the proper dispenser and respectivefueling position. In addition to the inherent difficulties in locatingand distinguishing between transponders within the fueling environment,the Texas Instruments system requires different types of antennas,modulation schemes and communication electronics for transmitting andreceiving signals to and from the transponders.

[0131] Applicants' invention provides a solution to the difficulties oflocating and communicating with transponders within the fuelingenvironment by (1) providing a communications system operating atfrequency ranges which are very directional, (2) controlling the powerat which the communications system operates and (3) simplifying thecommunications electronics by operating at the same carrier frequencywhen communicating with any transponder. Communicating at substantiallythe same carrier frequency allows interrogators to use the same orsimilar antennas to transmit and receive. Furthermore, these moredirectional frequencies require smaller antennas, which are easilyintegrated into the fueling environment or dispenser in an economicaland aesthetically acceptable manner.

[0132] The preferred arrangement of applicants' antennas is shown inFIGS. 12A and 12B. In FIG. 12A, a side view of a fuel dispenser 18 undera canopy or awning 249 is shown with multiple configurations of antennasadapted to communicate with various transponders proximate to either ofthe fueling positions A or B. The antennas are adapted to transmit,receive or transmit and receive at substantially directionalfrequencies, including those in the microwave range, and preferablyaround about 2.45 GHz. In these embodiments, there are basically threesuggested antenna locations wherein various combinations of antennas atthese locations are used. Please note that the antennas of FIGS. 12A and12B are not referenced as 108, for the sake of clarity in describingantenna placement.

[0133] The first antenna location is near the middle of a front face ofthe dispenser 18. A mid-dispenser transmit antenna 251 and mid-dispenserreceive antenna 253 are placed near this midpoint. The antennas may belocated in the central portion of the dispenser or located anywherealong the front face of the dispenser, including near the respectivesides of the dispenser as shown in FIG. 12B. The mid-dispenser antennas251, 253 preferably provide a limited power and limited range fieldpattern to communicate with a transponder 66 carried by a customer. Thefield provided by the mid-dispenser transmit antenna 251 is preferablylarge enough to properly communicate with the customer-carriedtransponder 66 in the fueling position and in front of the dispenserwithout requiring the customer to remove the transponder from a purse,wallet or pocket and wave the transponder next to the dispenser 18 or areceiving antenna.

[0134] Additionally, a top-mount transmit antenna 255 and top-mountreceive antenna 257 may be provided at or near the top of the dispenser18 and adapted to provide a focused, directional and preferablyconically shaped field downward over the respective fueling position.These top-mount antennas 255, 257 are preferably located on each side ofthe dispenser 18 as shown in FIG. 12B in similar fashion to thepreferred placement of the mid-dispenser antennas 251, 253. Theduplication and spacing of these antennas help avoid interference causedby people or other objects breaking the communication path between therespective antenna and transponder. This allows the transponder tocommunicate with the dispenser through one antenna or set of antennas,even if something blocks the field from the other set of antennas.

[0135] Another option is to place the antenna substantially directlyover the fueling position A or B. In such an embodiment, overheadreceive antenna 259 and overhead transmit antenna 261 are mounted overthe fueling position A, B using an overhead antenna mount 263. Theoverhead antennas 261, 263 operate in the same manner as the top-mountantennas 255, 257, and may also be spaced apart to provide varyingpositions to create an interrogation field. Notably, the antennas forreceiving and transmitting may be combined into one wherein a suitablecirculator or like electronics 241 is incorporated into the interrogatoror communications electronics to provide for reception and transmissionfrom a single antenna. With any of these embodiments, the antennas maycooperate directly with the central control system 50 or with thedispenser control system 80 to allow overall system monitoring oftransponders at the various positions. In these situations, the selectedcontrol system will alert the dispenser of transponder presence.

[0136] As noted, various combinations of these antennas can be used. Forexample, the preferred embodiment includes two mid-dispenser transmitantennas 251, two top-mount transmit antennas 255, and two top-mountreceive antennas 257. The top-mount receive antennas 257 are adapted toreceive signals transmitted from the transponder in response to signalsfrom either the mid-dispenser transmit antennas 251 or the top-mounttransmit antennas 255. In operation, when a customer-carried transponder66 enters the field provided by the mid-dispenser transmit antenna 251,the transmitter reflects a signal which is received by the top-mountreceive antenna 257. Alternatively, vehicle-mounted transponders 64 mayenter the interrogation field provided by the top-mount transmit antenna255 and respond with a signal received by the top-mount receive antenna257.

[0137] The interrogation fields provided by any of the transmit antennas251, 255, 259 may be adjusted to control the size and shape of therespective fields. For example, the system may be configured to moreeasily distinguish between transponders carried by a person andvehicle-mounted transponders by configuring the respective interrogationfields provided by the mid-dispenser transmit antenna 251 and thetop-mount transmit antenna 255 or overhead transmit antenna 259, suchthat the respective interrogation fields do not overlap or overlap in adesired and select pattern. Thus, communications resulting from aninterrogation with the mid-dispenser transmit antenna 251 indicate atransponder carried by the customer while communications resulting fromthe top-mount or overhead transmit antenna 255, 259 may be indicative ofvehicle-mounted transponders.

[0138] Attention is now drawn to FIGS. 12C and 12D, which depict a flowchart of a basic process for monitoring the location and position of aparticular type of transponder using top-mount transmit antennas 255 oroverhead transmit antennas 259 and a mid-dispenser transmit antenna 251in conjunction with one or more top-mount or overhead-mount receiveantennas 257, 261. In this preferred embodiment, one or more of thetransmit antennas mounted substantially above the customer willalternate sending interrogation signals with one or more of themid-dispenser transmit antennas 251. A response to either of theseinterrogation signals is received at a receive antenna mountedsubstantially above the customer, such as one of the top-mount receiveantennas 257 or overhead receive antennas 261.

[0139] The basic operation of this embodiment begins (block 400) byalternately transmitting from the top and mid-mount antennas (block402). The central control system 50 or dispenser control system 80 willmonitor for responses from transponders within one of the interrogationfields (block 404). The control system will continue to monitor for atransponder response until a signal from a transponder is received(block 406). The control system will next determine from whichtransmission field the transponder is responding (block 408). In thisembodiment, where the transmission fields alternate, the control systemwill simply determine if a transponder response was received during atime period when the top or overhead-mount antennas were generating theinterrogation field or if the response occurred during the time themid-dispenser transmit antenna 251 was generating the interrogationfield.

[0140] Once the control system determines the field in which thetransponder is responding, the appropriate location of the transponderis known (block 410). Typically, the transponder's response to theinterrogation signal provides transponder identification indiciaindicative of the type of transponder being interrogated (block 412).The type of transponder is generally vehicle mounted or carried by theperson. Determining whether the transponder is vehicle mounted orcarried by the person enables the control system to determine how toreact to the presence of other transponders passing through the variousinterrogation fields during a communication with another transponder ormake sure a transponder is properly located for the desired transaction.If the control system determines the transponder is one carried by aperson (block 414) and that the transponder was within the mid-antennafield (block 416), the control system allows the transaction to continue(block 420). If the transponder is a customer-carried transponder thatis not within the mid-antenna field (blocks 414 and 416), the controlsystem will return to the beginning of the process (block 418). Thelatter situation is indicative of a transponder carried by the personbeing interrogated in one of the top or overhead antenna fields, whichare preferably used to interrogate vehicle-mounted transpondersexclusively. Thus, the system preferably ignores transponders carried bythe person outside of the mid-antenna field, which is preferably focusedin a manner requiring the customer to be substantially in front of thecustomer interface of the appropriate fueling position. The fieldassociated with the mid-dispenser transmit antenna 251 is limited onlyby design choice and may extend several or more feet in front and to thesides of the fuel dispenser.

[0141] If the control system is communicating with a customer-carriedtransponder within the mid-antenna field, the control system may monitorfor the continued presence of the transponder in the mid-antenna field(block 422) or allow movement of the customer-carried transponderthroughout the fueling environment (block 422). Notably, it is oftendesirable to only require the customer-carried transponder to be withinthe mid-antenna field long enough to start the transaction and fuelingoperation, and allow the customer to leave the fueling area during thefueling operation. Unlike a customer-carried transponder, the controlsystem would preferably require the presence of the vehicle in theappropriate transmission field throughout the fueling operation forsafety reasons. Regardless of how the control system monitors thepresence or movement of the customer-carried transponder during thetransaction, the transaction will continue until complete (block 426),wherein the process will begin anew (block 428).

[0142] If the control system determines a vehicle-mounted transponder iswithin the appropriate transmission field (block 414), the transactionwill continue (block 430). Preferably, the control system will make surethat the vehicle has stopped moving and has been in position long enoughto indicate a transaction associated with the responding transponder islikely. As noted above, the control system will preferably continue tomonitor for the vehicle-mounted transponder's presence (block 432)throughout fueling. The control system is preferably capable ofdistinguishing responses from the vehicle-mounted transponder associatedwith the transaction from other personal or vehicle-mounted transpondersentering one or more of the transmission fields (block 434). If aresponse to an interrogation signal is received that does not correspondto the vehicle-mounted transponder associated with the transaction, theresponse is ignored (block 436).

[0143] Preferably, the control system will ignore all responses ofcustomer-carried transponders in the top-mount or overhead transmissionfields. Erroneous responses from other vehicles are rejected based onthe control system recognizing a response from a vehicle-mountedtransponder having a different identification indicia from thevehicle-mounted transponder associated with the ongoing transaction.Likewise, the control system will ignore responses from transpondersother than the authorized transponders to avoid communicating withtransponders of other customers entering the field during a transaction.In such case, the control system may check the identification indicia toensure communication continue with the appropriate transponder. Duringthis time, the control system will continue with the transaction (block438) until the transaction is completed (block 440).

[0144] If the transaction is not complete, the control system willcontinue to monitor for the presence of the vehicle-mounted transponderand any other transponders in the area (blocks 432-440). Once thetransaction is complete (block 440), the process returns to thebeginning (block 442). Although the preferred embodiment provides formid and overhead transmission fields wherein transponder responses arereceived near the top or above the dispenser, those skilled in the artwill recognize that numerous modifications of this configuration arewithin the inventive concept disclosed herein and subject to the claimsthat follow.

[0145] As noted, the interrogation communications system preferablycommunicates using substantially directional radio frequencies inconjunction with antennas configured to provide precisely shaped anddirected interrogation fields. Communications at these frequencies aregenerally limited to line-of-sight communications wherein arranging theantennas to cover a common interrogation field from different locationsavoids parallax and the effect of interference from objects comingbetween the transponder and one of the antennas. Generally,communications will require the absence of metal objects coming betweenthe antennas and transponders. Thus, when antennas are mounted withinthe dispenser, glass or plastic dispenser walls are preferable.Furthermore, vehicle-mounted transponders are preferably placed on thewindows or behind non-metal portions of the vehicle to avoidinterference.

[0146] Preferably, high-gain antennas are used to provide a highlydirectional and configurable cone shape covering an area most likely toinclude a transponder when a vehicle is properly positioned for fueling.The antenna range and transmission power is typically adjusted toprovide the desired interrogation field while minimizing the potentialfor the transponder to reflect signals to antennas associated with otherfueling positions.

[0147] Another benefit provided by an embodiment of the presentinvention is that spread-spectrum communications limits the likelihoodthat an interrogator in the system will synchronize with a transponderbeing interrogated by another interrogator. Thus, a preferred embodimentof the present invention provides for a communications system capable ofdistinguishing between transponder types, limiting the potential oftransponders erroneously communicating with another interrogator,simplifying communications by using the same carrier for transmissionand reception, extending the interrogation field to more easilycommunicate with vehicle-mounted transponders, reducing the size of theantennas required for communication, and allowing either the same orsame type of antenna to be used for transmission and reception.

[0148] Alternate Antenna Configuration

[0149] Turning now to FIG. 13A, an alternative fueling environment 10 isshown having a station store 20 and the central control system 50configured to communicate with each of the dispensers 18. Multiplevehicles 14 are depicted in and around the various fuel dispensers 18.Each of the dispensers may include an antenna 108. These antennas 108may be operatively associated with a corresponding dispenserinterrogator and dispenser control system 80 (see FIG. 5). Please notethat antenna placement will depend upon the application and may includeplacing the antennas anywhere in the fueling environment 10 separatefrom the dispensers 18. Placing the antennas at non-dispenser locationsis especially operable in applications where the antennas are used todetermine transponder location.

[0150] The antenna 108 and dispenser 18 configuration in FIG. 13A isspecifically adapted to determine the proximity of a vehicle relative toa particular fueling position A, B associated with each dispenser 18.The different reception patterns are depicted in association with thetwo left most dispensers 18. The circular reception pattern 250 would beused to determine the proximity of a vehicle with respect to aparticular dispenser 18. Generally, only one antenna 108 is required forsuch an embodiment. As a vehicle approaches the dispenser having thecircular pattern 250, the dispenser's corresponding interrogator 52 anddispenser control system 80 will receive a signal transmitted from thetransponder 12, 14. The dispenser control system 80 will analyze certaincharacteristics of the signal received from the transponder, such asmagnitude or strength, to determine a relative proximity to thedispenser. Typically, a dispenser 18 having an antenna configurationproviding the basic circular pattern 44 is not able to distinguish atwhich side or fueling position A, B, the vehicle is positioned.

[0151] A dual-lobed pattern 252 associated with the second dispenser 18from the left in FIG. 13A provides the dispenser control system 80 theability to determine at which fueling position A, B the vehicle islocated or approaching. In order to determine the particular fuelingposition A, B, a directional component is necessary in addition to theproximity component described above. To provide this directionalcomponent, multiple antennas may be used to create various types ofreception lobes where the antennas may be configured to only receivesignals from certain pre-set directions or areas. Regardless of theconfiguration, the dispenser control system 80 will monitor acharacteristic of the signal determinative of proximity, such asmagnitude or strength, in conjunction with determining the fuelingposition A, B to which the signal appears most proximate. In thedual-lobed embodiment 252, the dispenser control system 80 may measurethe signal characteristics received at both antennas 108 to determinefrom which antenna the received signal was strongest in order todetermine direction. Using directionally configured antennas will alloweach antenna to focus on one fueling position. Alternatively, placingthe antennas 107 in the forecourt under each fueling position allows foreasy determination of vehicle placement relative to a fueling positionas shown in FIG. 16.

[0152] The dispenser control system 80 may include electronics capableof detecting signal strength or magnitude and monitor for variationstherein. The magnitude monitoring circuitry 256 preferably includesautomatic gain control electronics feeding the received signal into ananalog-to-digital converter. Signal strength is turned into an 8-bitdigital string corresponding to a signal magnitude. The dispensercontrol system will monitor the string for variations in signalstrength. As the signal magnitude increases, the dispenser controlsystem 80 will determine that the transponder is approaching, and viceversa.

[0153] The flow chart of FIGS. 14A and 14B outlines the processundertaken by the dispenser control system 80 to determine the proximityor location of a transponder 64, with respect to a particular fuelingposition A, B of a dispenser 18. The process begins (block 700) with thedispenser control system 80 beginning to monitor for a transpondersignal (block 710). The signal may originate from an active transmitterin the transponder or may reflect or scatter back to a dispenserinterrogator 52 and antenna 108. Upon detection of a transponder signal(block 720), the dispenser control system will monitor a characteristic,such as magnitude or phase of the signal (block 730). At this point, thedispenser control system 80 recognizes a transponder 64, 66 as near orapproaching the dispenser 18 and continues to monitor for the presenceof the signal (block 740). If the signal is lost or decreases, thedispenser control system 80 will determine that the transponder has leftor is leaving the reception area and will begin to monitor for a newtransponder signal (block 710). If the signal remains present and/orincreases, the dispenser control system 80 will determine the proximityof the vehicle with respect to the dispenser (block 750). Preferably,the dispenser control system 80 will monitor to determine whether or notthe signal strength is changing to ensure that the vehicle-mountedtransponder 64 does not move during the fueling operation.

[0154] In order to determine the particular fueling position A, B atwhich the transponder is located, the dispenser control system 80 mustdetermine which side of the dispenser the vehicle is at or approaching(block 760). The dispenser control system 80 may simply monitor thesignal with antennas at or near the particular fueling position designedto receive using a directionally sensitive antenna configuration, suchas the embodiment of FIGS. 12A and 12B, the dual-lobed configuration 252of FIG. 13A, or the underground antennas 107 shown in FIG. 16.

[0155] Reference is again directed to FIGS. 14A and 14B. As atransponder approaches a particular fueling position A, B, the dispensercontrol system 80 determines if the transponder is within a certainfueling proximity (block 770). When the vehicle is within fuelingproximity, it is in a position close enough for the fuel dispenser 18 atthe corresponding fueling position A, B to allow fueling of the vehicle.If the vehicle is not within fueling proximity, the dispenser controlsystem 80 continues to monitor the strength and direction of the signal(blocks 730-760). The dispenser control system 80 may determine whetherthe transponder or vehicle is within fueling proximity by simplyreceiving the transponder signal, receiving a signal magnitude above apredefined threshold, and/or determining whether the signal magnitude ischanging, indicating that the transponder and vehicle are moving.

[0156] Once the vehicle is in position for fueling, the dispensercontrol system 80 activates the dispenser's fueling electronics asdesired (block 780). During the fueling operation, the dispenser controlsystem 80 continues to monitor for the presence of a signal in decisionblock 790. When the signal is no longer present, the dispenserelectronics are deactivated at block 795, and the dispenser controlsystem 80 monitors for the next transponder signal at block 710 causingthe process to repeat.

[0157]FIG. 13B depicts an embodiment wherein the location oftransponders may be tracked as they travel throughout the servicestation environment 10. In this embodiment, the dispensers 18 eachinclude an antenna 108 capable of receiving a signal from a transponder64. Preferably, signals from the antennas 108 are multiplexed togetherat the central control system 50. The various control systems willreceive the transponder signal and monitor the location of the vehicleand determine the dispenser 18 and fueling position A, B at which thevehicle stops. The dispenser control system 80 may, for example, monitora characteristic, such as the phase, of the signal received by thevarious antennas 108 associated with the dispensers 18 and use knowncomputational techniques, based on the signal characteristics receivedat the various antenna locations, to determine vehicle location. Onesuch technique using phase differences is triangulation.

[0158] Although the signal of only one vehicle transponder 64 isdepicted, the various dispensers 18 and/or the central control system 50may monitor for the presence and location of a plurality of vehicles todetermine proximity, direction of travel and location throughout thefueling environment 10. Triangulation and other similar positioning andlocating techniques generally require at least two antennas and providebetter resolution as the number of antennas 108 increase. The locationof the respective antennas 108 may be virtually anywhere in the fuelingenvironment 10. Another alternative to multiplexing the various antennaslocated at the respective dispensers 18 or elsewhere in the fuelingenvironment 10 is to use multiple antennas in each dispenser orthroughout the fueling environment 10. Additionally, a globalpositioning system (GPS) could be used to communicate vehicle positiondirectly or through a remote network 94 to the central control system 50and on to the fuel dispenser 18.

[0159] The flow chart of FIG. 15 outlines the control process for theembodiment depicted in FIG. 13B. The process begins (block 800) andinitially monitors for the presence of a transponder signal (block 810).Once the signal is received (block 820), the dispenser control system 80monitors the characteristics of the signal for various antennas (block830). The dispenser control system 80 will next determine the locationof the transponder (block 840) using the monitored signalcharacteristics at the various antennas to triangulate or otherwisedetermine vehicle location. The precise fueling position A, B of thecorresponding dispenser 18 is determined (blocks 850 and 860) bycalculating the position at which the vehicle stopped. The dispensercontrol system 80 for the dispenser where the vehicle stopped willdetermine if the vehicle is within the fueling area (block 870). If thevehicle is within the fueling area, the dispenser's fueling electronicsare activated as desired (block 880). The dispenser control system willcontinually monitor the location of the vehicle to determine if thevehicle remains within the fueling area (block 890). Once the fuelingoperation is over and the vehicle leaves the fueling area, the dispensercontrol system 80 deactivates the dispenser's fueling electronics (block895) and monitors for a new transponder signal (block 810), whereuponthe process is repeated.

[0160] With respect to FIG. 16, an embodiment depicting undergroundantennas 107 is shown. The two antennas 107 correspond to fuelingpositions A and B. The antennas are preferably multiplexed at an antennamultiplexer 256. The multiplexer 256 sends the multiplex signalsreceived by the corresponding antenna 107 to the interrogator 52.Preferably, intrinsically safe barriers are used to provide electricalisolation between the antennas and the multiplexer 256 and/orinterrogator 52.

[0161] Dual-Stage Preconditioning and Authorization Using Transponders

[0162] There are numerous examples of transponders being used infleet-type applications for identifying a vehicle as being authorized toreceive fuel at a specific fueling site. There are examples of radiofrequency transmissions being used to interface with onboard vehiclecomputers for the purpose of transferring vehicle information to variouslocations, such as toll plazas, fuel dispensers and parking garages. Anumber of schemes are known for identifying an individual for completingfinancial transactions. These typically involve personal identificationnumbers (PIN), which are “secret” codes known only to the consumer andused in conjunction with financial account information in order tocomplete a transaction. These schemes typically include standard debitcards with associated PIN's, contact and contactless smart cards withassociated PIN's, and smart-wired and wireless PIN pads used inconjunction with card reading devices such as the devices disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,967,366 to Kaehler.

[0163] Consumers have reacted favorably as the petroleum retailingindustry has accepted card readers in the dispensers as a means forreducing the time required to complete payment for gasolinetransactions. However, both consumers and the industry desire stillfurther improvements of transaction efficiencies. One aspect of thecurrent invention is to use transponder technology in a fuelingenvironment to simplify the financial payment operation associated withthe transaction at a fuel dispenser and provide an enhanced level ofsecurity such that basic transponder communications cannot be “tapped”by unauthorized devices and personnel in order to replicatecommunications to generate fraudulent transactions. This aspect involvesan initial radio frequency identification process to providepreconditioning of the fuel dispenser, followed by an authenticationprocess to provide transaction security for the financial aspects of thetransaction. The invention is applicable to both vehicle-mounted 64 andpersonal transponders 66, and, in certain embodiments, may require asecond transponder associated with the vehicle or customer for theauthentication step. The secondary authentication process may requirethe customer to enter a PIN, speak for a voice match, or supply aphysical identifier, such as a fingerprint, or other biometricidentifier. Preferably, a voice print or other biometric signature ofthe customer is taken and stored in the transponder's memory or adatabase associated with the dispenser control system. Thus, theinformation must be received from the transponder or the databaseassociated with the dispenser control system as necessary.Alternatively, a second transponder may be used for part of the processto supplement and authenticate the first transponder, or the firsttransponder may act alone and provide a secondary transmission capableof authenticating the first transmission.

[0164] Attention is drawn to FIGS. 17, 18A and 18B wherein a schematicand flow chart are depicted detailing the system and process of apreferred embodiment implementing dispenser preconditioning followed bya transaction authorization. In FIG. 17, a vehicle 14 has a firstvehicle-mounted transponder 64 and a second vehicle-mounted transponder65. The customer 12 may also have a personal transponder 66. Althoughnot depicted, fuel dispenser 18 is preferably connected as discussedabove with the central control system 50, and includes a customerinterface having a display 100 and key pad 102, a dispenser interrogator52 and an associated antenna 108. The dispenser may also include amicrophone 258 operatively associated with audio processing circuitry260 (see also FIG. 5) and a video camera 262. The microphone 258 andcamera 262 may provide a bi-directional audio/video intercom between thedispenser 18 and the QSR or convenience store operator interfaces. Inthis application, the microphone 258, in conjunction with the audioprocessing circuitry 260 or the camera 262, may function to provide avoice print of the customer or an image of the customer to authenticatea transponder. Likewise, a fingerprint imager 264 may use a customer'sfingerprint to authenticate the transponder.

[0165] With this dispenser architecture in mind, specific reference ismade to the flow chart of FIGS. 18A and 18B. As a customer 12 approachesa fueling station (within vehicle 14), and, in particular, a fuelingposition at a dispenser 18, either the customer transponder 66 orvehicle transponder 64 is initially interrogated as the interrogator 52monitors for the presence of a transponder (blocks 900 and 905).Typically, the interrogator 52 in conjunction with the dispenser controlsystem 80 will continuously check to see if a transponder is present(block 910). If a transponder is not present, the dispenser controlsystem 80 will continue to monitor for the transponder (block 905). If atransponder is detected, the dispenser control system 80 will receiveindicia from the first transponder corresponding to the particulartransponder's identification information (block 915). Preferably, thedispenser 18 will continuously monitor the transponder's location orproximity to a particular fueling position (block 920). Furtherinformation is provided relating to vehicle monitoring and positioningin applicants' U.S. Patent Application entitled INTELLIGENT FUELINGfiled on Dec. 6, 1996, Ser. No. 08/759,733, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

[0166] Typically, the transponder is read using energy provided from theantenna 108 located on the dispenser 18, forecourt 16, or anywhere elsein the fueling environment 10. The transponder may respond to thisenergy by providing signals to the dispenser interrogator 52. Thedispenser control system 80 will operate to determine the generallocation or proximity of the vehicle 14 with respect to a correspondingfueling position at the fuel dispenser 18. Preferably, the dispenserinterrogator 52 will maintain constant contact with the transponder. Thedispenser control system 80 will monitor transponder communications todetermine the fueling position at which the vehicle (and customer) stop(block 925).

[0167] Once the appropriate fueling position is determined, informationreceived from the vehicle (or customer) transponder is used to“precondition” the fuel dispenser 18 (block 930). Preconditioning meansreadying the dispenser for the fueling transaction. The extent ofreadiness may vary with each application, but may include determiningthe proper fuel, fuel type, flow rates for the vehicle and/or runninginitial checks on account information, adjusting vapor recoveryequipment based on the absence or presence of onboard vapor recoveryequipment, or simply initializing the pump electronics. For example, afuel dispenser may be preconditioned to a point where fueling will beauthorized once secondary information is received to authorize theinformation used for preconditioning and/or the transponder. Thecustomer may also elect to receive select information or targetedadvertising as discussed below under “Customer Preferences.” Thepreconditioning may take place solely at the fuel dispenser controlsystem 80, in conjunction with the central control system 50, or mayrequire communication with an on- or off-site database, such as theremote network 94. Having achieved the preconditioning of the dispenserbased on a first transponder indicia, which is generally related totransponder identification, the financial aspects of the transponder aresubsequently authorized.

[0168] Receiving additional or second indicia is required forauthorization in addition to the indicia received for preconditioning(block 935). One option is to have the dispenser control system 80adapted to prompt the customer to enter a PIN on the key pad 102 so thatboth the transponder data and an associated PIN number are madeavailable to the appropriate database as a matched pair in order toobtain authorization and subsequent payment information (block 940).

[0169] Another option is to receive the second indicia from a secondtransponder, distinct from the first transponder that initiallytransmits the information for preconditioning (block 945). In thisembodiment, the first transponder may be either an additionaltransponder 65 on the vehicle 14, or the personal transponder 66 carriedby the customer 12. If the first or preconditioning transponder istransponder 64 on the vehicle 14, the second transponder providingauthorization may be a customer transponder 66 or the other vehicletransponder 65. If the first or preconditioning transponder is thecustomer transponder 66, the second transponder may be one of thevehicle transponders 64, 65.

[0170] As easily seen, many configurations are available where a firsttransponder transmits information for preconditioning, and a secondassociated transponder provides information for authorization. Once thefirst transponder provides the preconditioning indicia, the secondtransponder will subsequently provide second indicia from whichauthorization or authentication is derived. This secondary indicia maybe an authentication ID which is matched in a database in one of theassociated control systems with the ID or information received from thefirst transponder. If the information from both transponders correspondsappropriately, the transaction is authorized.

[0171] A third alternative is to provide a transponder capable ofproviding both the first preconditioning indicia followed by a secure orencrypted transmission representing the second indicia required forauthorization or authentication (block 950). Preferably, the transponderis capable of processing data received from the dispenser interrogator52, processing or encrypting the data and transmitting the data orsecure code back to the dispenser for authorization or authentication.Again, one of the control systems associated with the dispenser willcompare the original preconditioning indicia and the secondauthorization or authentication indicia before authorizing the financialportion of a transaction and allowing the dispensing of and payment forfuel.

[0172] When only a customer transponder 66 is present (the vehicletransponder is not present), the transaction is initiated orpreconditioned solely by the customer transponder 66 located on a key,key fob/ring or card. Upon selecting a fueling position, the customerwill exit the vehicle and prepare for fueling. Preferably, the dispenserwill read the customer transponder 66 and recognize that a vehicletransponder is not present. Such recognition may result from a vehicletransponder not being detected or information transmitted by thepersonal transponder indicating that a personal transponder is presentor a vehicle transponder is not available. In this situation, thedispenser will prompt the customer for a PIN, which is compared with theinformation received from the transponder in order to authenticate thetransaction. Optionally, the customer transponder is a secure,intelligent transponder capable of being read by the dispenserinterrogator, providing information such as a code, performing a securedcomputation at the transponder, and responding with secondaryinformation in order to validate the transponder and authorize thetransaction.

[0173] Another option for secondary authorization or authenticationindicia is to receive a voiceprint using the microphone 258 and audioprocessing circuitry 260 in conjunction with one of the associateddispenser control systems. Fingerprints may also be compared using thethumb- or fingerprint imager 264 (shown in FIG. 5).

[0174] Regardless of how the second indicia for authorization orauthentication is received, one of the control systems will check thesecond indicia for authorization purposes as discussed above (block955). If the control system determines the second indicia is not properauthorization or authentication of the first, preconditioning indicia,the control system will display a message indicating the transaction isnot authorized (block 965) and will prevent fuel delivery. If thetransaction is authorized C(lock 960), the control system will enablefueling (block 970) and monitor for the end of fueling (blocks 975 and980) until the transaction ends (block 985).

[0175] With the embodiments requiring second indicia from the same orseparate transponder for authentication or authorization, thetransponder is adapted to bidirectionally communicate with thedispenser, which further communicates with a host network 94 incooperation with the central control system 50 to provide secureauthorization of the transponder(s) and to enable transactions. Incertain applications, it is desirable to avoid transmitting data fromwhich valuable account or financial information could be derived betweenthe tag and the dispenser, or the dispenser and the host network 94.Preferably, all or a majority of the account or financial informationrequiring absolute security is stored only at the host network 94. Thus,in the preferred embodiment, neither the transponders, dispenser 18 norcentral control system 50 has access to critical financial or accountinformation. In more localized applications, the central control system50 may have access to such information.

[0176] Certain embodiments of the present invention also provide highlevels of security for transmissions. In order to avoid placing certaininformation at risk during transactions, the invention provides a uniqueidentifier indicia for each transponder, and the host network maintainsaccount and financial information associated with the transponder havingthe unique identifier. The identifier is transmitted to the host network94 through the dispenser 18 and central control system 50. The hostnetwork checks to see that the transponder, and not a counterfeit, hasprovided the identifier. Once the host system determines that anauthorized transponder sent the identifier, the host network 94authorizes the dispenser to further interact with the transponder andauthorize subsequent transactions based thereon.

[0177] Preferably, the transponder is authenticated using cryptographytechniques known only by the transponder and host, but not by thedispenser or central control system 50. The preferred authentication orauthorization process is shown in FIG. 19. In step one, the dispensercontrol system 80, in conjunction with the dispenser interrogator 52,generates and sends a random number (CRN) to the transponder. Thetransponder will encrypt the random number (CRN) and return theencrypted random number (TRN) to the dispenser along with a transponderidentification number (ID) in step two. In step three, the dispenser 18relays the transponder ID, the encrypted random, number (TRN) receivedfrom the transponder, and the random number (CRN) to the host network 94without modification. When using the host network 94, this informationis transferred through the central control system 50. In more localizedapplications, the primary functions of the host network 94 may beprovided by the central control system 50. In the preferred embodiment,the tag ID number is 10 bytes, the random number (CRN) is 8 bytes, andthe encrypted random number (TRN) is bytes.

[0178] Upon receipt of the transponder ID from the dispenser 18 (throughcentral control system 50), the host network 94 calculates or looks upin a database a main transponder key associated with the transponderusing the transponder ID. Preferably, the host network 94 will haveinitially generated the main keys stored in the transponder and will usethe same keys to cryptographically communicate with the transponder. Thehost network 94 will have cryptography electronics adapted to encryptthe random number using the main transponder key and compare the resultto the encrypted random number received from the transponder. If thenumbers match, the transponder is a valid transponder, and most likelynot a counterfeit. The host network will then use the ID number to lookup transaction billing data or other customer related informationcorresponding to the transponder and authorize the dispenser to carryout the desired and authorized transactions in step four. Additionalinformation is provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/895,417filed Jul. 16, 1997, entitled CRYPTOGRAPHY SECURITY FOR REMOTE DISPENSERTRANSACTIONS in the name of William S. Johnson, Jr., the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

[0179] Transponder Theft

[0180] With the enhancements and transaction efficiency associated withusing transponders, security concerns arise based on theft ofinformation transmitted to and from the transponders, as well as theftof the transponders themselves. The present invention addresses theissue of stolen transponders in a number of ways. Preferably, a databaseis maintained, which keeps track of stolen or lost transponder ID's andis checked by the dispenser or central control system prior toauthorizing each fueling operation in which transponders are used. Thedatabase may be kept at the dispenser, central control system 50, or atthe remote network 94 for more regional and national protection. Wherethe transponder is intelligent, the dispenser control system 80 deletesa fraudulent transponder. The dispenser control system 80 may send asignal to the transponder 64, 66 to disable the transponder, act toinhibit future transactions, or alert other fueling environments whensubsequent transactions are attempted.

[0181] The basic flow of this theft deterrent and prevention system isshown in FIG. wherein a fueling process begins (block 1000) and thetransponder ID is received (block 1005). In addition to the transponderID, the transponder may inform the 110 dispenser control system 80 thatthe transponder has been stolen or is being used by an unauthorizedparty. This theft or unauthorized use signal is preferably generated bythe transponder in response to a dispenser in a subsequent transactionattempt transmitting a form of disabling signal to the transponder.Transmission of this signal is described in greater detail below.

[0182] The dispenser will next determine if the transponder is lost orstolen based on the signals received from the transponder by accessing alocal or national database listing transponders which were lost, stolenor used by unauthorized parties (block 1010). After comparing thetransponder ID with those listed in the database, the dispenser willdecide whether or not the transponder is lost, stolen or being used byan authorized party (block 1015). If the transponder does not appear inthe database, the dispenser will proceed with the fueling transaction(block 1020) until the end of the transaction is reached (blocks 1025and 1030). If the dispenser determines that any use of the transponderis unauthorized from any one of the local or national databases, thedispenser will preferably interrogate the transponder to download anytransaction history or information available on the transponder to helptrack unauthorized uses and determine the identification of theunauthorized user (block 1035). For example, the transponder may be ableto track the various locations in which the user attempted to use thetransponder. If the user attempted to use any identification means inassociation with this transponder use, the prior dispensers and controlsystems may have attempted to transmit this user identification to thetransponder for subsequent transaction attempts.

[0183] As noted above, an important aspect of one embodiment of thepresent invention is the dispenser's ability to transmit a disablesignal to the transponder to prevent authorizations of unauthorizedusers and subsequent transaction attempts (block 1040). The disablesignal may simply be a signal informing the transponder that anysubsequent use is unauthorized. The signal may completely shut down thetransponder to prevent any subsequent communications or disable anytransaction authorization features while maintaining communicationability. In the latter case, the transponder may be used to help trackunauthorized transaction attempts and identify the unauthorized user.

[0184] The dispenser will also disable the present fueling operation andattempted transaction (block 1045) before delivering fuel or authorizinga financial transaction associated with the transponder. During thistime, the dispenser will attempt to gather as much customer informationas possible (block 1050). For example, the dispenser control system 80may mark any type of identification information received from the useras well as record any physical information possible, such as markingvideo taken from the camera 262 or audio from microphone 258 (block1050). The system may also alert one or more of the operators of thefueling environment and one or more security services via the local orremote systems (block 1055). The system may be tied into a network whichwill alert the police or simply update the security database in order tomaintain transaction or attempted transaction histories (block 1060) andthe process will end (block 1030). Upon determining a transponder hasbeen lost, stolen or used in an authorized manner, the system maycommunicate with the transponders to effectively lockout the dispenseras well as the transponder. Those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the preferred embodiments disclosed herein will not limitthe inventive concept disclosed or protected by the claims that follow.

[0185] Drive-Off Prevention

[0186] Similar to the theft prevention and general prevention oftransponder use by unauthorized persons, steps must be taken to preventauthorized customers from using the transponder in unauthorized ways. Ofprimary concern is preventing a customer from driving off before payingfor the fuel or any other purchases made at the dispenser or anywhereelse in the fueling environment. In many situations, the completefinancial transaction will require more than a purely remote interactionbetween the dispenser and transponder. The customer may be required toprovide additional payment means, such as cash, a credit/debit/smartcard or PIN number. In a situation where the product or service may bedelivered before the transaction is completed, or especially when thetransponder is used for reasons other than payment, the presentinvention will act to deter or prevent repetition of this event in thefuture. Notably, not all drive-offs are intentional, and the transpondermay act with various fueling environments to remind the customer at asubsequent fueling transaction that a drive-off occurred during aprevious operation.

[0187] The flow of an embodiment of applicant's drive-off preventionprocess is shown in FIG. 21. The fueling operation will begin (block1100) wherein the dispenser will receive transponder identificationindicia, which is generally the transponder ID (block 1105). Thedispenser control system 80 and/or central control system 50 willmonitor the transaction to detect a drive-off condition (blocks 1110,1115). The system will generally monitor for the drive-off conditionuntil the transaction is both physically and financially complete.

[0188] If a drive-off condition is detected (block 1115), the dispenserwill transmit a drive-off signal to the transponder indicating thedrive-off condition has or is occurring. The system will quickly gatherany customer information from the transponder and from the fuelingenvironment (block 1125) in the same fashion discussed with transpondertheft. The dispenser will also alert the system operator, securitypersonnel and, most importantly, the customer (block 1130). In manysituations, the customer may have simply forgot to complete thetransaction or may decide to abort the attempted drive-off after hearingthe alert. If a drive-off occurs in spite of these warnings, a databaseassociated with the local central control system 50 or the remotenetwork 94 is updated accordingly. Once this database is updated,subsequent transactions will be prevented when the database is accessedto determine if prior drive-offs have occurred (see block 1110).Alternatively, a transponder disable signal may be sent to thetransponder before leaving the fueling area to lockout futuretransactions, as discussed in the previous section. The customer may beinformed of the drive-off at the subsequent location in an attempt toperfect the prior transaction in which the drive-off occurred.Additionally, the transponder could act to disable the car if suchcontrol electronics are available and coupled to the transponder.

[0189] Transaction Guidelines and Limitations

[0190] Another unique aspect of an embodiment of the present inventionis the ability to use transponders to provide guidelines and limitationson transactions associated with the transponder. These transactions maybe cash, credit or debit type transactions so long as a transponder iscommunicably associated with the dispensing system somewhere before,during or after the fueling or purchase transaction. These guidelinesand limitations on customer purchases are either stored in a database inassociation with a transponder ID and accessible by the dispenser orcentral control systems 80, 50 or transmitted from the transponder tothe dispenser during each transaction. Regardless of the manner ofaccess, the dispenser control system 80 and the central control systemwill cooperatively operate to carry out transactions according to theseguidelines and limitations.

[0191] Attempts to circumvent the guidelines or limitations willpreferably result in a message to the customer or operator that the itemor service presented for purchase is not available to that particularcustomer when the transaction is associated with the customertransponder. These guidelines and limitations may affect both fuelingand non-fueling transactions. The guidelines and limitations may be usedto set a particular dollar amount or limit what the customer associatedwith the transponder may spend, as well as limit the frequency and thetypes of purchases made by the customer. For example, parents may placelimits on their children's spending amounts, snack purchases or thefrequency of fill-ups, in addition to preventing the purchase ofalcoholic beverages. Given the tremendous latitude made available withusing such transponders for transactions, authorization controls providesafety and security features making the tasks of those supervising thecustomers associated with the transponders significantly easier. Theinvention is particularly useful for fleet fueling applications whereindrivers are limited to selected purchases and purchase amounts.

[0192] With these concepts in mind, attention is directed to FIG. 22depicting a general flow of a fueling or purchase transaction whereintransponder guidelines or limitations are enforced. Typically, thefueling operation will begin by a customer driving up to a fueldispenser and an associated transponder transmitting identificationindicia to the dispenser (block 1200). The dispenser control system 80will receive the transponder identification indicia via the interrogator52 (block 1205). At this point, the dispenser control system 80 and/orthe central control system 50 will receive transaction guidelines from adatabase kept at the central control system 50 or the remote network 94.Alternatively, the dispenser control system 80 may receive thetransaction guidelines directly from the transponder (block 1210).

[0193] Throughout the fueling operation, one or more of the controlsystems will monitor the operation to maintain fueling according to anyguidelines or limitations as set forth above (block 1215). Additionally,the control systems will operate to monitor non-fuel transactionsoccurring before, during or after fueling to ensure that any guidelinesor limitations are followed (block 1220). The non-fuel transactions maytake place at the dispenser 18 or at one of the transaction terminals30, 34 in the fuel station store. The control systems will monitor thepurchases entered into the graphical user interface or scanned in by theoperator. If the type, amount or frequency of the purchase is not withinthe guidelines or limitations, any such items are identified and theoperator is alerted as necessary (block 1240).

[0194] If all of the fueling and non-fueling transactions are within theguidelines and limitations, the transaction is authorized (block 1230)and the transaction is ended (block 1235). The portions of thetransaction which are authorized, if any, are allowed (block 1245) andthe transaction is ended (block 1235).

[0195] Creating A Shadow Ledger

[0196] Given the significant advances in remote communicationstechnology, remote communications units, or transponders as referred toherein, have ever increasing computational capabilities. As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, the transponders may have one or more controllers 124,142 and a significant amount of associated memory 126. As noted, thetransponders may be passive or active and may provide significant dataprocessing and memory storage. In these “smart” transponder embodiments,it is preferable to keep a running tally of financial and transactionalinformation. This is especially useful in smartcard-type embodimentswherein the transponder will actually provide prepaid functions directlyon the transponder. In order to provide additional transaction securityand tracking, a further aspect of the present invention is creating ashadow ledger at the central control system 50 or the remote network 94of the transaction information stored on the transponder. This shadowledger is updated during communications with the transponder. In thismanner, transponder account information may be checked and the shadowledger may be updated regarding transactions occurring outside of thefueling environment or associated transaction network.

[0197] Turning now to FIG. 23, a block diagram of the transponder 12, 14is shown having controller communication electronics 124, memory 126 andsoftware 128 sufficient to provide a transponder ledger 270. Thetransponder 64, 66 will communicate with a fuel dispenser interrogator52 of a fuel dispenser 18. The fuel dispenser control system 80 willcooperate with the central control system 50 and its controller 232 toprovide transaction and other transponder information to a remotenetwork 94. The remote network 94 includes sufficient memory to providea network ledger 272 for the particular transponder 64, 66 incommunication with the fuel dispenser 18. The network ledger 272 iscompared and updated as necessary during transactions involving thetransponder 64, 66. Alternatively, a local ledger 276 may be kept at thecentral control system in memory 234.

[0198] The basic process of maintaining a shadow ledger apart from thetransponder is shown in FIG. 24. As a transaction process begins (block1310), the dispenser 18 will receive transponder identification indicia(block 1320). The identification or other indicia may also indicatewhether or not a transponder ledger is being kept or provide sufficientinformation to allow one of the control systems associated with thedispenser to access a database indicating whether or not there is aledger for that particular transponder.

[0199] Next, the transponder will download the information in thetransponder ledger 270 to the dispenser interrogator 52 and controller80. The dispenser control system 80 will subsequently relay thetransponder ledger information to the central control system if a localledger 276 is kept or relay the information to the host network 94, if anetwork ledger 272 is provided. The shadow ledger (local or network) isaccessed for the particular transponder using the transponderidentification indicia (block 1340) and the transponder and shadowledgers are compared (block 1350). If the ledgers equate, no update isnecessary and the process is ended (block 1360 and 1380). If the ledgersdo not equate (block 1360), the shadow ledger is updated (block 1370)and the process is ended (block 1380). Keeping a shadow ledger andupdating it as necessary when communications are available with thetransponder provides additional security for transponder transactions,indicates transactions occurring outside of the ledger system orassociated network, and provides an up-to-date accounting accessiblewhen the transponder is unavailable for communications.

[0200] Transaction Tracking

[0201] The present invention also provides an embodiment adapted totrack transponder transactions throughout a number of fuelingenvironments operatively associated with the host network 94. The basicflow of transaction tracking is shown in FIG. 25 wherein a typicalfueling operation begins (block 1400) by a transmission from thetransponder of transponder identification indicia to the dispenser 18(block 1410). During the transaction, transaction information isreceived from the transponder and/or gathered by the dispenser andcentral control systems (blocks 1420 and 1430). The information receivedand gathered preferably includes information such as the type oftransaction, the dollar amount per transaction, frequency oftransactions, and the location of these transactions. The informationgathered by the central control system may be relayed to the hostnetwork or major oil company network 94 (block 1440). The information isupdated and compiled at the host network (block 1450) to enable study ofcustomer activities and transactions. This information is very valuablein advertising and merchandising in the fueling environment. Once theinformation is compiled at the network 94, the process is ended (block1460).

[0202] Customer Preferences

[0203] The evolution of fuel dispensing stations has resulted in thedevelopment of faster and more efficient ways to dispense and pay forfuel. In the past, customers had to go inside a store to pay anattendant for dispensed fuel. Now systems exist that allow customers topay for fuel at the dispenser with a credit or debit card withoutpersonally paying an attendant and without having to go inside a store.As a result of paying at the pump rather than personally paying anattendant inside a store, customers are less frequently going inside theconvenient stores and, therefore, less often exposed to conveniencestore products and promotions, which are generally more profitable thanfuel. These newer fuel dispensing stations give the ability to displayvisual information to the customer and prompt the customer to physicallyinteract with the fuel dispensing station before, during and afterdispensing fuel.

[0204] It is well known in the art of fuel dispensers to provide a CRTor other type of screen to deliver instructions, graphics and picturesduring the fueling process. Currently these display screens, for themost part, are only used to give the user of the fuel dispenser moreaesthetically pleasing instructions during the fueling process. One newfeature of the display includes the ability to provide video intercom asdisclosed in Gilbarco Patent Application Ser. No. 08/659,304 entitledENHANCED SERVICE STATION FUNCTIONALITY filed Jun. 6, 1996, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This displayalso provides the ability to display video presentations, includingadvertisements.

[0205] With so much information available that can be displayed, aproblem exists on how to manage and provide the information to thecustomer. It is desirable to have the ability to deliver the data on thescreen at a fuel dispenser from outside sources such as satellites ordata networks. That way, this data which usually requires large memoryareas to store since it includes video data does not have to be storedlocally at every fuel dispensing station. Rather, a central provider candeliver the information to the fuel dispenser so that it does not haveto be stored redundantly at each fuel dispenser location.

[0206] With the current wave of data network technology, including theInternet, the ability to deliver information to a customer will continueto evolve. For instance, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/896,988filed Jul. 18, 1997, entitled INTERNET CAPABLE BROWSER DISPENSERARCHITECTURE to Leatherman et al., incorporated herein by reference,discusses an interactive fuel dispenser having a plurality of fueldispensers operating in conjunction with a local server in which eachfueling position acts as a client of the local server at the fuelstation store. This local server could be connected to any variety ofnetworks to provide information at the fuel dispenser, including theInternet. This invention discusses how the fuel dispensers and stationwill be connected to data networks to allow information to be deliveredto a user, but it does not discuss the problem of how this informationwill be managed at the fuel dispenser. A user of a fuel dispenser maynot have the expertise nor the time to access the information he desiresin a reasonable amount of time due to the huge amount of data availabletoday over the data networks and the fast changing availability ofdifferent and new types of information and data from data networks orthe Internet.

[0207] A need exists to provide a way for the user of a fuel dispenserto easily retrieve the information he desires without time consumingselections that must be made for each use and without the confusion thatmay be caused by continuous changes in available selections and theformat in which they are displayed on a screen at a fuel dispenser. Onecan envision the plethora of information selections that will beavailable to the user of a fuel dispenser in the future. It will bequite time consuming for the user to traverse a web of menus to selectthe information desired when the choices of selections become greaterand greater. It can also be appreciated that changes in the informationavailable for selection may make the user frustrated if the user wantsthe same type of information generally and does not want to accessdifferent types of information each time.

[0208] The present invention allows a customer to pre-select which typesof information he wishes to access at a fuel dispenser station or otherstation. With the current systems in the fuel dispensing industry, acustomer uses a credit card to initiate and authorize a fueltransaction. The customer card number is read by the fuel dispenser andsent back to the fuel site controller. The fuel site controller sendsthe credit card number to a host network through modem or other datanetwork communications. The host computer looks up the credit cardnumber and authorizes the fuel transaction with a message back to thesite controller. Every time the customer uses the particular credit cardto authorize a fuel transaction, the host computer may not onlyauthorize the card, but also look up the pre-registered informationstored for that particular credit card and send a message back to thesite controller indicating the customer's preferences. The sitecontroller could provide this information to the customer automaticallyat the fuel dispenser without having to make any selections.

[0209] The manner in which pre-registration for credit cards may beaccomplished could be by an application that is sent to the credit cardor fuel card companies indicating the choice of information to bedelivered. For example, the information choices could include weatherreports, local traffic reports, stock reports, etc.

[0210] An improvement in the site controller's determination of customerpreferences is through the use of a transponder. As noted, thetransponder can be hand-held or car mounted. The car mounted version ofthe transponder may be linked with the car's control system.

[0211] The transponder could reserve some of its user memory to storecustomer preferences. Whenever a customer uses the transponder toauthorize a fuel transaction, the transponder ID may be sent by the fueldispenser to the site controller and on to the host network so that thecredit or fuel card number can be associated with the transponder ID towhich the fuel will be charged. During the authorization process, thefuel dispenser interrogator could also interrogate the transponder forthe customer's information preferences locally rather than having toobtain this information from the host computer. This method would savebandwidth and access time by the site controller to the host computer.

[0212] The user of the fuel dispenser must have a method for indicatingand storing which type of information is to be registered and deliveredto the customer each time a fueling transaction takes place. The usermust also have the ability to change this information whenever needed.There are several ways to accomplish this task.

[0213] For the credit or fuel card method, the credit card or fuelingcard companies could provide a database to allow a customer topre-register which types of information he wishes to be displayedwhenever he dispenses fuel with the particular credit card ortransponder. The customer could access this database for selections byautomated telephone service or other means. This pre-registeredinformation would be stored in the host computer. The host computerwould send a message to the site controller indicating which informationthe customer desires. This message may only include the type ofinformation to be displayed and not necessarily the actual informationitself. The site controller may have links to other data networks orsystems to provide the actual information. The site controller orindividual fuel dispenser would make the decision on what type ofinformation to provide and what source to provide it from.

[0214] The transponder arrangement provides a couple of easy ways topre-register data desired on a transponder. The customer could selectthe type of information to be displayed when initially applying for thetransponder to be linked to the customer's credit card. Alternatively,the fuel dispenser itself could have a menu and selection available forthe customer to select the information desired and the fuel dispensercould download the information to the transponder.

[0215] With the credit or fueling card embodiment, the customer can usean automated phone service to access a database which stored thepre-registered information selections, or the credit/fuel card companycould provide an application to be mailed in and entered into thedatabase by an operator.

[0216] With the first arrangement, the customer could also change hisselection at the fuel dispenser by selecting the option to change hispre-registered selections, or a computer could be provided inside aconvenience store for the same purpose. The computer or fuel dispenserwould simply have an interrogator capable of communicating with thetransponder to store the pre-registered selections made by the customer.

[0217] Of course, if the customer begins the fueling process and wishesto override or cancel the pre-registered information to be delivered, hecan do so with a selection at the fuel dispenser. At this point, thecustomer may traverse through any menus provided to access otherinformation not pre-registered, or may choose to not have anyinformation provided to him at all. In the case of a data networkservice provider connection, the customer could opt out of thepre-registered data and surf his account or service just as he would onhis personal computer.

[0218] As discussed above, the present invention provides featuresadapted to personalize a fueling operation on a customer-by-customerbasis. In operation, the dispenser 18 will generally interrogate thetransponder and receive customer preferences or an ID, which will allowthe dispenser or associated control system to access customerpreferences, early in the fueling operation. Preferably, the informationis accessed as the customer approaches the dispenser to enable thedispenser and associated systems to provide the customer with apersonalized greeting, pre-selected information, such as news, traffic,weather, scores or stock reports in addition to providing customerselected advertising, merchandising or entertainment presentations.Typically, a customer fills out information relating to the types ofinformation, greetings and multimedia presentations he or she would beinterested in receiving during a fueling operation. The information isentered into a database associated with the transponder ID or actuallystored on the transponder in a format capable of instructing thedispenser or central control system accordingly.

[0219] Reference is directed to FIGS. 26A and 26B. Once the customerpreference information is in place, fueling processes will begin (block1500) wherein the dispenser receives transponder identification indicia(block 1505). The dispenser 18 will cooperate with the central controlsystem 50 and remote network 94 as necessary to receive and accesscustomer preferences. Alternatively, the preferences may be downloadedfrom the transponder directly. The preferences may precondition fueldelivery (block 1515) by selecting the desired type of fuel and fuelgrade, and providing a personalized greeting (block 1520). The greetingmay be configured to visually and/or audibly provide a message such as“good morning” or “good afternoon Mr. Smith.” Additionally, a customermay have selected preferences as to the type of advertising andmerchandising provided by the display 100 and audio/video electronics86.

[0220] The advertising may come from a dedicated auxiliary audio/videosource 156, such as a laser disk player or digital video disk (DVI) aswell as via the remote network 94. The network 94 may be associated withthe Internet. The Internet provides a wide range of multimediacapabilities to the fueling environment relating to remote control andinformation dissemination. Attention is drawn to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/896,988 for INTERNET CAPABLE BROWSER DISPENSER ARCHITECTURE,filed Jul. 18, 1997, in the name of Russel D. Leatherman et al. Thedisclosure of this application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0221] Similarly, the customer may elect to receive audio/videoentertainment (block 1530), such as brief videos or music provided tomake the customer's visit to the fueling environment more pleasurable.Additionally, the customer may elect to receive a wide variety ofinformation relating to news, weather, scores, stock updates and trafficreports, just to name a few of the types of information available (block1535). As noted, this information may be gathered and distributedlocally by the central control system 50 or accessed via the remotenetwork 94. Associating the central site control system with theInternet will allow significant access to various types of information.

[0222] Given the tremendous amount of information capable of beingprovided at the dispenser based on customer selection or independentmerchandising, the present invention also provides for suppressing thepresentation of certain information as desired by the customer (block1540). For example, certain customers may not want to receiveadvertisements for tobacco products, alcoholic beverages or snackproducts. Preferably, any of the information may be suppressed uponcustomer election and use of the transponder.

[0223] In addition to suppressing available information, a customer isalso provided the ability to change or override a preference previouslyelected during initial setup (block 1545). Typically, the customer isqueried via a prompt on the video display 100 of the dispenser 18 tochange or override a certain preference. Upon receiving customer inputvia the key pad 102, 104, the dispenser control system 80 (possibly inconjunction with the central control system 50) will override and/orchange the information provided on the display 100. Changing thepreference may include providing a customer with a menu of availableinformation display options. Thus, the dispenser control system 80 willmonitor the key pad 102, 104 for a customer response (block 1550). Ifthe customer responds accordingly (block 1555), the preference ismodified or changed (block 1560) by simply canceling the preference orselecting a new preference from a displayed menu. The preference may bemade temporarily or permanently by updating the database and/or sendingan appropriate control signal to the transponder. After the preferenceis changed, the dispenser will operate to continue the fueling operation(block 1565) until the operation comes to an end (block 1570). If thecustomer does not elect to change a predefined preference, the dispensercontrol system 80 will simply continue fueling until the end of thefueling operation (blocks 1565 and 1570). The dispenser may recognizeother preferences to precondition the fuel dispenser for the impendingfueling operation, including selecting a card type, payment method,account type, or other related transaction information to prepare thedispenser for fueling and carrying out the transaction. The customer mayalso elect to receive specific types of advertising and merchandising.Based on these elections, system operators may provide additionalindependent but targeted advertising and merchandising.

[0224] Preventing Fueling of Unauthorized Containers

[0225] The present invention may also provide for ensuring a containeris proper for receiving and carrying fuel delivered by the dispenser 18.With reference to FIG. 27, a dispenser 18 is shown having a deliveryhose 76 and nozzle 78 for delivering fuel to a vehicle or otheracceptable container 280. Preferably, the container 280 is a fuelcontainer manufactured to reduce the risk of igniting the fuel carriedtherein. The container 280 includes a body 282 having a spout 284,filling aperture 286, handle 288 and a transponder 290. Although activeor passive transponders are acceptable for this aspect of the invention,a passive transponder, acting as a true transponder, is preferable. Thetransponder 290 is designed to reflect an interrogation signal sent fromthe dispenser interrogator 52 under the control of the dispenser controlsystem 80.

[0226] Upon receiving the interrogation signal, the transponder 290 willtransmit a signal indicative of the type of container and whether thatcontainer is acceptable for carrying fuel.

[0227] Attention is drawn to the flow chart of FIG. 28 depicting thebasic process of monitoring and detecting acceptable containers forfueling. At the beginning of the process (block 1600), the dispensercontrol system 80 will cause the dispenser interrogator 52 to transmitan interrogation signal in order to interrogate the transponder 290(block 1605). When a transponder is within the interrogation field, itwill transmit a signal in response to the interrogation signal. Thedispenser interrogator 52 will receive this transponder signal, whichtypically includes indicia of the transponder type or an identificationindicia allowing the controller to access a database to determine thetype of transponder in communication with the dispenser (block 1610).The transponder may indicate that it is a personal transponder carriedby the person, such as a card or key fob, a vehicle-mounted transponderor, in this particular instance, a standalone fuel container. Whetherthe transponder signal directly indicates the type of container beingfueled or a database is accessed based on the transponder ID, thedispenser control system 80 or an associated control system is adaptedto determine if the container is acceptable for receiving fuel (block1615). The transponder indicia or database may also indicate the type orgrade of fuel for the particular container.

[0228] If the container is not an acceptable container (block 1620), thedispenser control system 80 will provide an audible or visual signal tothe customer and/or operator indicating that the container is notacceptable for receiving fuel (block 1625). The dispenser control system80 will also act to prevent fueling by deactivating the pump and fuelingelectronics (block 1630) and the process ends (block 1635). If thecontrol systems determine that the transponder is in an acceptablecontainer (block 1620), fueling is authorized (block 1640) and fueldelivery begins (block 1645). A proper container may be a vehicle fueltank wherein the vehicle-mounted transponder will enable the controlsystem to recognize the vehicle as an acceptable container. In certainembodiments, the vehicle transponder 64 may be mounted on or near thevehicle's fill neck.

[0229] Preferably, the dispenser will continue communications with thetransponder to ensure that the transponder remains present during thefueling operation and, optionally, the dispenser may monitor movement ofthe transponder during this fueling operation (blocks 1650 and 1655). Ifno movement is detected and the transponder is present throughoutfueling, the operation will end once the container is full and thecustomer stops fueling. If the transponder is moved or leaves thepresence of the interrogation field, fueling is brought to a halt (block1660 and 1635). If the transponder is moved and/or the dispenserdetermines that the transponder is no longer present and the fuelingoperation is in progress, the controller 80 may act to warn or instructthe customer accordingly in addition to halting the fueling operation.If the container 280 stops moving or is brought back to a proper fuelinglocation, the dispenser 18 may be adapted to continue fueling as part ofthe same transaction. The proximity or location monitoring features ofthis aspect of the invention are discussed in greater detail above.

[0230] Restricting fueling to authorized containers in the mannerdescribed above greatly reduces the risk of severe bodily injury ordeath, not to mention substantial property damage that can occur whenhighly flammable fuels are carried in improper containers. In thepreferred embodiment, the addition of a small passive transponder to afueling container is minimal and modifying a dispenser 18 having anexisting interrogator is basically updating software to recognize theinformation received from the transponder during interrogation. Notably,although a classical transponder is the preferred embodiment, as notedearlier in the specification, a transponder is used in a most genericsense and is deemed to include remote communication units having areceiver, a transmitter, or a combination thereof.

[0231] Pre-transaction Estimates

[0232] The present invention may also provide pre-transaction estimatesof the amount of fuel required to fill the vehicle's tank along with theestimated total cost of filling the vehicle. This embodiment requires avehicle-mounted transponder operatively associated with a vehiclecontrol system or, at a minimum, the vehicle's fuel tank in a mannerwherein the transponder is able to receive or determine informationrelating to fuel tank ullage. The ullage information may include theamount of fuel required to fill the tank, tank size and/or the quantityof fuel remaining in the tank. This information may be passed to thetransponder and then to the dispenser, or used to generate data to becommunicated to the dispenser. Ullage information is any type ofinformation which relates to tank ullage or from which ullage can bederived. The ullage here refers to the volume of the tank which canreceive additional fuel.

[0233] Referring now to FIGS. 29A and 29B, the basic process ofproviding customer pre-transaction estimates with a vehicle transponderis shown. The process begins (block 1700) when a customer drives up to afueling operation and the associated transponder is interrogated by thedispenser interrogator 52 under the control of the dispenser controlsystem 80. Generally, the transponder will return identification indicia(block 1705). The transponder may also return indicia indicating thetransponder type. Alternatively, the transponder type may be included inthe transponder identification indicia or sent separately to enable thedispenser control system 80 or other associated control system todetermine the transponder type.

[0234] As discussed above, determining the type of transponder ishelpful in many situations, such as determining whether a container isauthorized for receiving fuel or allowing a personal transponder toleave the immediate fueling position during a fueling operation, whileacting to prevent a vehicle-mounted transponder from leaving the fuelingposition. The dispenser control system 80 or associated control systemmay also use the transponder identification indicia to access a databasecorrelating the type of transponder with the identification indicia.Distinguishing transponder types is discussed in detail in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/966,237 filed Nov. 7, 1997, entitled TRANSPONDERDISTINCTION IN A FUELING ENVIRONMENT in the name of William S. Johnson,Jr., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0235] Regardless of the type of identification indicia transmitted tothe dispenser 18, the dispenser control system 80 (in cooperation withother control systems, if necessary) determines the transponder type(block 1710). Next, it is determined whether the transpondercommunicating with the dispenser is a vehicle transponder (block 1715).If it is not, the fueling operation will proceed (block 1795) andcontinue until fueling has ended (block 1785), wherein the process comesto an end (block 1790).

[0236] If the transponder is a vehicle transponder (block 1715), it isdetermined whether or not the vehicle transponder is an integratedtransponder capable of accessing ullage information (block 1720). Thisinformation is preferably derived from the transponder identificationindicia and transponder type information transmitted to the dispenser.However, any manner of communicating this information to the dispenseris acceptable and within the inventive concept of the present invention.If the transponder is vehicle-mounted but not integrated to obtainullage information, the fueling operation will start (block 1795) andcontinue until fueling has ended (block 1785) wherein the process isended (block 1790).

[0237] If it is determined that the transponder is integrated andadapted to provide ullage information (block 1720), the dispenser mustdetermine whether the customer wants an estimate of the transactionamount (block 1725). Typically, the estimate will be associated withcompletely filling the vehicle's fuel tank. The customer may provide arequest for the fill-up at the dispenser by entering a response on thekey pad 102 based on a prompt or query displayed on the display 100(block 1730). Alternatively, the transponder may relay informationduring communications with the dispenser indicating that the customerhas pre-authorized the dispenser to calculate an estimate associatedwith fueling the vehicle (block 1730).

[0238] If the ullage information has not already been received duringinitial interrogation, the dispenser interrogator 52 will interrogatethe transponder 64 for the ullage indicia (block 1735) and receive theullage indicia accordingly (block 1740). Based on the ullage indicia,the dispenser control system 80 or associated control system willdetermine or calculate the vehicle's tank ullage based on the ullageindicia received (block 1745).

[0239] The ullage indicia may include the exact ullage valuerepresenting the amount of fuel required to fill the tank, or the ullageindicia may indicate tank volume and the amount of gas currently presentin the tank, wherein the control system will run the appropriatecalculations to determine ullage. In yet another embodiment, the ullageinformation may simply include vehicle identification and remaining fuelindicia, and the control system will access a database at the centralcontrol system 50 or at the remote network 94 storing informationrelating to tank size for the identified vehicle. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will quickly recognize various ways of obtaining ullageinformation. These ways are considered within the scope of thisdisclosure and any related claims which follow.

[0240] Once ullage is determined, the control system preferablydetermines or calculates an estimated cost of fueling the vehicle basedon the ullage information. In order to do so, the type of fuel and fuelgrade must be determined (block 1750). The dispenser controller mayprovide a prompt at the display 100 for the customer to select the typeof fuel and grade desired for fueling (block 1755). Alternatively, theinitial information received from the transponder may provideinformation on the type and grade of fuel desired for fueling, and theassociated control system will determine fuel type and grade accordingly(blocks 1750 and 1755).

[0241] Once tank ullage and the type and grade of fuel are determined,the associated control systems will calculate the estimated cost forfilling the vehicle (block 1760) by multiplying the ullage value by thefuel cost. Preferably, the estimated fuel quantity and the cost forfueling the vehicle with the selected type and grade is displayed to thecustomer on the display 100 (block 1765). At this point, the customer isgiven the option to continue with fueling. The customer may, forexample, be provided with a prompt to begin fueling (block 1770) whereinthe customer will respond by pressing a key on the key pad 102 (block1775). If the customer elects not to fuel based on this information, thefueling operation is ended before it ever begins (block 1795). If thecustomer elects to continue fueling, the dispenser will start thefueling operation (block 1780) and continue fueling until the tank isfull or the customer otherwise ends the operation (block 1785) whereinthe process comes to an end (block 1790).

[0242] Determining estimated fueling totals benefits customers in manyways, especially customers wanting to pay cash at the dispenser usingthe cash acceptor (shown in FIG. 3). As noted earlier, the difficultywith cash acceptors is providing the customer with the proper changewhen the amount of fuel purchased is less than the dollar amount placedin the cash acceptor. Providing an estimated amount required to fill thevehicle tank will allow the customer or dispenser to calculate a dollaramount which will not exceed an amount required to fill the vehicle. Forexample, the dispenser may determine that it will take $21.60 worth ofpremium, unleaded gasoline to fill the vehicle tank. If the customeronly has two ten-dollar bills and a five-dollar bill, the customer willknow that if the two ten-dollar bills are placed in the cash acceptor,he will come substantially close to maximizing the amount of fueldelivered to the vehicle without needing change.

[0243] Although the customer can elect to purchase any amount of fuel,it is often beneficial to determine how much fuel the vehicle willaccept before determining how much fuel one wishes to purchase. Incertain applications, the cash acceptor could be monitored to determinethe amount of cash received and take appropriate action if the estimatedfilling total could not meet or exceeded that amount. In summary, thedispenser associated control system may determine if change isnecessary, based on the ullage information, the fuel selected and theamount of cash received by the cash acceptor.

[0244] Attention is drawn to FIG. 30 wherein a process is shown forproviding a customer with estimated cost totals in order to makedecisions on the amount-of cash to enter into a cash acceptor forpayment. The process begins (block 1800) where the dispenser controlsystem 80 receives ullage information, fuel type and grade as discussedabove (block 1805). Based on this information, the amount of fuelnecessary to fill the vehicle and a corresponding cost estimate iscalculated and displayed to the customer (block 1810). The customer maymake fueling decisions based on this information, such as deciding whattype of payment to make or how much fuel to purchase.

[0245] Assuming the customer is using a cash acceptor, the dispensercontrol system 80 will operate in conjunction with the cash acceptor 90to determine the amount of cash payment (block 1815). If the paymentmade is less than the estimated cost of fueling (block 1820), then thedispenser control system 80 will allow fueling for the amount of payment(block 1825) until the operation is ended (block 1830). If the customerhas placed more cash in the cash acceptor than necessary to completelyfuel the vehicle (block 1820), the dispenser control system 80 will actto inform the customer that change will be required, preferably, usingthe display 100 (block 1835). The dispenser control system 80 will nextprompt the customer using the display 100 on how to receive change(block 1840). The customer may be required to receive credit on his orher transponder or go into the station store and obtain change at one ofthe transaction terminals, just to point out a couple of options.Additionally, the dispenser may provide a customer with the choice toopt out of the transaction (also block 1840). The dispenser controlsystem 80 will determine whether or not to refund the customer's initialpayment (block 1845) based on a customer input received at key pad 102(block 1855). If a refund of the payment is not desired and the customerchooses to receive change by other means, fueling will begin (block1850) until the process ends (block 1860). If a refund is requested bythe customer (blocks 1855 and 1845), the dispenser control system 80will cause the cash acceptor 92 to eject the customer payment (block1865) and the process is ended (block 1860). Those skilled in the artshould quickly recognize the added benefit in providing customerinformation before fueling relating to the amount of the potential fuelpurchased, especially in light of the difficulties in receiving changeassociated with cash acceptors.

[0246] It should be recognized that the various aspects discussed hereincan be mixed and matched to provide a fueling environment with variouscombinations of capabilities. Each aspect was discussed individually inorder to provide a more clear disclosure. Furthermore, the various flowcharts and processes disclosed herein generally represent programs whichare stored in memory and run on an associated controller. Given theshared control responsibilities between the dispenser control systemsand the central control system in a typical fueling environment, thecontrol systems defined in the claims that follow are to be construed asincluding control features provided by dispenser control systems,central control systems and remote network control systems, alone or incombination. Those skilled in the art will recognize the tremendousflexibility in providing the various control aspects throughout thenumerous control systems (including remote networks) in and outside ofthe fueling environment.

[0247] Certain modifications and improvements will occur to thoseskilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. Itshould be understood that all such modifications and improvements havebeen deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability, but areproperly within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fuel dispensing system for enhancing cashtransactions comprising: a) a fuel dispenser associated with a controlsystem and a receiver adapted to receive signals includingidentification indicia from a remote communications unit associated witha customer, said receiver operatively associated with said controlsystem to enable said control system to retrieve the identificationindicia; and b) a cash transaction indicator associated with saidcontrol system and adapted to signal said control system of a cashtransaction; and C) said control system providing customer relatedinformation associated with the identification indicia when a cashtransaction is indicated by said cash transaction indicator.
 2. Thedispensing system of claim 1 further including a transmitter operativelyassociated with said control system and adapted to transmit the customerrelated information to the remote communications unit associated withthe customer.
 3. The dispensing system of claim 1 wherein said controlsystem includes memory for storing the customer related information inassociation with the identification indicia.
 4. The dispensing system ofclaim 1 wherein said customer related information corresponds tocustomer change resulting from a cash transaction, said control systemadapted to determine the change for the transaction.
 5. The dispensingsystem of claim 4 wherein said control system is adapted to applyloyalty benefits for the customer transaction.
 6. The dispensing systemof claim 4 wherein said control system is adapted to apply a previouscredit for increasing the change for the customer transaction.
 7. Thedispensing system of claim 1 wherein said customer related informationcorresponds to loyalty benefits based on at least one customertransaction, said control system adapted to determine said loyaltybenefits accordingly.
 8. The dispensing system of claim 7 wherein saidloyalty benefits are based on a prior customer transaction.
 9. Thedispensing system of claim 7 wherein said loyalty benefits are based ona current customer transaction.
 10. The dispensing system of claim 1wherein said cash transaction indicator is located on said dispenser andis actuated by a customer when a cash transaction is desired.
 11. Thedispensing system of claim 10 wherein said fuel dispenser includes acash acceptor operatively associated with said cash transactionindicator for conducting the cash transaction.
 12. The dispensing systemof claim 10 wherein said control system is operatively associated with atransaction terminal apart from said fuel dispenser for conducting thecash transaction.
 13. The dispensing system of claim 1 wherein said cashtransaction indicator is located at a transaction terminal apart fromsaid dispenser and is actuated when a customer desires a cashtransaction.
 14. The dispensing system of claim 11 wherein saidtransaction terminal is a point-of-sale terminal in a fuel station storeoperatively associated with said dispenser.
 15. The dispensing system ofclaim 1 wherein the remote communications unit associated with thecustomer is vehicle mounted.
 16. The dispensing system of claim 1wherein the remote communications unit associated with the customer isportable and capable of being carried by the customer.
 17. Thedispensing system of claim 1 wherein said control system includes adispenser controller and a central controller located apart from saiddispenser.
 18. The dispensing system of claim 1 wherein said controlsystem includes a dispenser controller.
 19. The dispensing system ofclaim 1 wherein said control system includes a central controllerlocated apart from said dispenser.
 20. A fuel dispensing system forenhancing cash transactions comprising: a) a fuel dispenser including adispenser control system and a receiver adapted to receive signalsincluding identification indicia from a remote communications unitassociated with a customer, said receiver operatively associated withsaid control system to enable said control system to retrieve theidentification indicia; b) a central control system operativelyassociated with and located apart from the dispenser control system; c)a cash transaction indicator associated with said control systems andadapted to signal said control system of a cash transaction; and d) saidcontrol systems having associated memory and operating to provide acustomer transaction information and associate the customer transactioninformation with the identification indicia when a cash transaction isindicated by said cash transaction indicator.
 21. The dispensing systemof claim 1 wherein said customer transaction information includes acredit relating to change in a cash transaction.
 22. The dispensingsystem of claim 1 wherein said customer transaction information includesa loyalty benefits relating to a cash transaction.
 23. The dispensingsystem of claim 1 wherein said control systems operate to store saidcustomer transaction information in said memory.
 24. The dispensingsystem of claim 1 wherein the dispenser control system is associatedwith a transmitter for transmitting signals to the remote communicationsunit, said control systems operating to transmit said customertransaction information to the remote communications unit for storingvia said transmitter.
 25. The dispensing system of claim 1 wherein saidcash transaction indicator is located apart from said dispenser at atransaction terminal.
 26. The dispensing system of claim 1 wherein saidcash transaction indicator is located at said dispenser at a transactionterminal.
 27. The dispensing system of claim 26 wherein said cashtransaction indicator is a customer actuatable keypad on said dispenser.28. The dispensing system of claim 26 wherein said cash transactionindicator is associated with a cash acceptor on the dispenser, said cashtransaction indicator indicating a cash transaction when a customerinserts cash in said cash acceptor.
 29. A method of enhancing cashtransactions in a fueling environment comprising: a) receivingidentification indicia from a remote communications unit associated witha customer; b) determining the customer with the associated remotecommunications unit is conducting a cash transaction; and c) providing aloyalty benefit for the customer.
 30. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising storing the loyalty benefit.
 31. The method of claim 30wherein the storing step includes transmitting the loyalty benefits tothe remote communications unit corresponding to the identificationindicia.
 32. The method of claim 30 wherein the storing step includesstoring the loyalty benefits in a control system associated with thefueling environment.
 33. The method of claim 32 wherein the storing stepincludes storing the loyalty benefits at a host network remote from thefueling environment.
 34. A method of enhancing cash transactions in afueling environment comprising: a) receiving identification indicia froma remote communications unit associated with a customer; b) determiningthe customer with the associated remote communications unit isconducting a cash transaction; c) calculating a credit for the changeresulting from the cash transaction; and d) storing the credit forfuture use by the customer.
 35. The method of claim 34 wherein thestoring step includes transmitting the credit to the remotecommunications unit corresponding to the identification indicia.
 36. Themethod of claim 34 wherein the storing step includes storing the loyaltybenefits in a control system associated with the fueling environment.37. The method of claim 36 wherein the storing step includes storing theloyalty benefits at a host network remote from the fueling environment.38. A fuel dispenser system comprising: a) a customer input device,display, and interrogator operatively associated with a dispensercontrol system; b) said customer input device and display adopted toprovide a customer interface; c) said interrogator adapted tocommunicate with a remote communications unit associated with acustomer; d) said customer interface adapted to provide a cashtransaction input for the customer to select a cash transaction; and e)said control system adapted to operate in conjunction with a remotecommunication unit to provide customer information associated with theremote communications unit said interrogator communicates with when acash transaction is selected.
 39. The fuel dispenser system of claim 1wherein the customer information relates to the change due the customeras a result of the cash transaction.
 40. The fuel dispenser system ofclaim 1 wherein the customer information relates to loyalty benefitsbased on a transaction.
 41. The fuel dispenser system of claim 1 whereinthe customer information is transmitted to the remote communicationsunit by said interrogator.
 42. The fuel dispenser system of claim 1wherein the customer information is sent to the remote control systemfor storage.
 43. The fuel dispenser system of claim 1 wherein thecustomer information is sent to a remote host network for storage. 44.The fuel dispenser system of claim 1 wherein said fuel dispenserincludes a cash acceptor associated with said dispenser control systemfor receiving cash payment, said dispenser control system adapted todetermine a change amount for the transaction.
 45. The fuel dispensersystem of claim 44 wherein the change amount is transmitted to theremote communications unit.
 46. The fuel dispenser system of claim 44wherein the change amount is sent to the remote control system.
 47. Atransaction system for enhancing cash transactions comprising: a) atransaction terminal; b) communication electronics operativelyassociated with said transaction terminal and adapted to communicatewith a remote communications unit associated with a customer; c) acontrol system associated with said transaction terminal and saidcommunication electronics; d) said transaction terminal having a cashtransaction input for indicating a cash transaction; and e) said controlsystem generating customer information corresponding to the remotecommunications unit in remote communication with said interrogator for acash transaction when said cash transaction input is actuated.
 48. Thetransaction system of claim 47 wherein said customer information is aloyalty benefit based on a transaction.
 49. The transaction system ofclaim 47 wherein said customer information relates to a credit forchange resulting from the cash transaction.